ENCORE engages elderly

Students can take non-credit classes for personal enrichment

The gym is home to many young students playing sports such as basketball and volleyball.

However, on certain days you may happen to catch 50 elderly adults being pushed to their limits. It might be strange to fi nd elderly adults sweating on a college campus, but this is just a typical class in the Encore Program.

Out of the many programs Pierce College has to offer, the ENCORE Program gives older adults in the community non-credit fee-based classes designed specially for promoting progressive and positive aging.

Although the program is open to anyone over the age of 18, the non-credit classes apply more to older adults rather than prospective transfer students. The classes meet during all four quarters throughout the year.

The courses in the program are designed to engage the mind of the older adults and keep their brains focused on topics. According to Pierce College, these topics include independence, community engagement, development and cognitive health.

The non-credit classes range from subjects about art and history to mind fusion and exercise classes. Sandra Tinto who teaches the Body Mind Fusion class, takes time out of her own practice on Mondays and Wednesdays to be able to give back to the community.

“The classes give me happiness because I laugh at the older students struggling through exercises and I have no problem yelling at them to do 50 fi re hydrants. I’m able to give back while also enjoying what I do and that’s the best,” Tinto said. Her class combines east and west philosophies and exercise techniques that help develop endurance and muscle strength. She thinks the program is very benefi cial to the growth of older adults.

“If most these people had nowhere to go, they would stay home and their whole body mind connection wouldn’t be there. I teach them basic anatomy while also engaging their bodies and keeping their growth level moving,” Tinto said.

DEC. 12 - DEC. 13

The Pierce College Library / Learning Crossroads will extend their open hours to help students prepare for the upcoming finals week. The library will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.