Wellness Program for Seniors
 Wellness Workshops
Exercise, Movement & Yoga
Senior Café
Kol DOROT: Singing
The Memory Tree
For Seniors at Home — Classes on the Telephone
Wellness Program Guidelines
If you are new to the Wellness Program and have not participated in the
past, you must sign up with Christine Hodan, Wellness Program Assistant,
and fill out our Wellness Participation Information Form.
Please call Christine at (917) 441–3743 to register.
Wellness Workshops
Mindfulness–Based Meditation *** Please note time change!
3 Thursdays –May 2 , 9: 11–12:15 and June 27: ***10–10:50 am
Amy Gross
This program is based on the Mindfulness–Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course. Meditation can reduce stress, lower emotional reactivity, improve self–esteem, ease disturbances of sleep and mood, strengthen the immune system and increase the sense of well–being. We will review the meditation technique and practice.
Legal Documents You Should Know About
Friday, May 3: 12:15–1:45 pm
Phillip Pockriss, Esq.
This is an annual Mitchell Rabino National Healthcare Decisions Day program, presented by the New York State Bar Association’s Elder Law Section. Legal topics to be discussed include advance directives, health care proxies, powers of attorney, wills, DNR, probate and organ donations. Bring all your questions!
Chance to Chat: Reminiscence and Life Review Group
8 Tuesdays, May & June: 10–11 am
Phyllis Brown, LCSW, Social Worker & Sandy Warshaw
Take the time to reflect on memories, share your experiences and get to know your neighbors. In this on–going group, you will have the chance to discuss a wide variety of topics—childhood, work, family, seasonal happenings, philosophical perspectives and more recent life events. You can gain new perspectives from the past and learn from others.
Friday Chat with a Weill Cornell Doctor—Questions & Answers
Fridays, May & June: 10:30–11 am
Each week we will have an informal conversation with an MD on various topics.
Bring your questions and join us for a friendly discussion!
May 10: Insomnia and Sleep—medications, supplements and other techniques for good sleep
May 17: Osteoporosis—screening, treatment options and exercise
May 24: Cardiac Risk Factors—how to protect yourself from heart disease
May 31: Digestive Concerns—tips for maintaining healthy digestion, to avoid constipation/diarrhea and reflux
June 7: Memory Loss and Brain Exercise—what is part of normal aging and can exercise help
June 14: Balance & Falls Prevention—falls risks and how to avoid them
June 28: Nutrition, Vitamins and Supplements—what to eat and take to help you stay healthy
Self Massage for Relaxation and Stress Relief
Friday, May 10: 12:15–1:15 pm
Alix Keast, Licensed Massage Therapist, Shiatsu Instructor @ Swedish Institute
In this workshop, Alix will show you simple ways that you can help yourself relax and improve your energy with breathing, visualization and self massage using acupressure points.
Spring Remedies for Natural Beauty, Easing Chronic Pain and Allergies
Friday, May 24: 12:15–1:15 pm
Letha Haddady, Author and Health Lecturer, www.asianhealthsecrets.com
Spring is a time when things start blossoming—flowers, activities and family gatherings, a time when you want to look and feel your best. Join Letha, author of Naturally Pain Free & Healthy Beauty, for rejuvenation secrets from around the world.
Create Your Own Colorful Floral Spring Arrangement
Friday May 31: 12:15–1:15 pm
Rose Edinger, Floral Designer, Instructor @ Brooklyn Botanical Gardens
Enjoy the beauty of flowers in this special hands–on workshop with Rose G. Edinger, a freelance floral designer with 27 years of experience in the floral industry. She is an inspiring, enthusiastic and friendly teacher who will guide you in creating a simple summer bouquet. And you will get to take flowers home! You must pre–register to attend by May 24th; call Christine at (917) 441–3743 (limited to 12 seniors)
Special Event! Digital Photography—Art Making with the Whitney
2 Mondays, June 3 & 17: 2:15–3:45 pm
Whitney Museum Instructor
Participate in an original art–making project with digital photography. The Whitney facilitator will present slides, lead discussion, and provide cameras with instruction for creating photos in the classes. No experience necessary. You must pre–register to attend by May 29th; call Christine at (917) 441–3743 (limited to 15 seniors)
Making New Friends...A Lifelong Necessity!
Friday, June 7: 12:15—1:15
Jan Kliger, Masters in Gerontology
It’s never too late to build new friendships or reconnect with old ones. Taking the risk will pay off in better health and a brighter outlook for years to come. What are you looking for in a friend? What do you have to offer? Let’s find out how to find friends! Join Jan who has been running fun, Joyfulness groups for over 10 years.
Change Your Mind & Calm your Spirit—Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
Friday, June 14: 12:15–1:15 pm
Annie Siegel, Certified Hypnotherapist
Annie will introduce EFT, a new modality in behavior modification, to help jump start change. EFT, also referred to as “Tapping,” is a rapid, long lasting pain–free technique to free oneself from emotional or physical trauma. It can help you release fears, get motivated to exercise or to drop habits, and have more energy.
Whitney Museum Slide Talk: Pop Art to Performance Art
Friday, June 21: 12:15–1:15 pm
Andrew Capetta, Whitney Museum Educator
This interactive slide–based lecture will feature an in–depth look at the work from the 1960’s to the 1980’s in the Whitney’s permanent collection. He will also discuss other works on view at current exhibitions.
Sounding Circles: The Healing Power of Sound
Friday, June 28: 12:15–1:30 pm
Joule L’adara of Sounding Circles
Applying sound to the body can powerfully affect our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual states. Joule L’Adara combines hands–on–healing with a variety of sound healing protocols that are designed to dislodge holding patterns and move stagnant energy through the body, sending you into deep relaxation and invigorating you with renewed energy. Joule will demonstrate various sound healing instruments including: tuning forks, chimes, rattles, kalimba, and monochord—providing hands–on interaction with these wonderful tools. Joule with then lead a group vocal sound exploration, providing a safe setting to discover the power of self–healing using your own voice!
Exercise, Movement & Yoga
Introduction to Bolly/Belly Dance
Monday,June 24: 11–12 pm
Andrea Beeman, Dance Instructor
Try something new—the fun of Bollywood and Belly dance, wonderful rhythmic music and simple movements. All levels are welcome. This can be done sitting!
Mr. Gu’s Exercise
Tuesdays & Fridays, May & June: 11:30–12:10 pm
Cheng–de Gu, Martial Arts Instructor & Lee Noonan, LMT
Lift your spirits and move toward health in Mr. Gu’s unique exercise class. Mr. Gu focuses on increasing immunity and spinal flexibility. Learn simple, gentle exercises based on Chinese Medicine and designed by Mr. Gu especially for seniors, to increase energy and help relieve incontinence, constipation, insomnia, digestive disorders and many other illnesses. Open to all levels of experience.
Medical clearance and permission from the program director are required. Call Christine at (917) 441–3743 for information and pre–registration.
Tai Chi Easy™ (Please do not wear perfume or scented lotions in this class)
6 Mondays, May 6, 13, 20 & June 3, 10, 17: 11–12 pm
Melissa “Mati” Elstein, Certified Tai Chi Easy™ Facilitator, www.goodenergyyoga.com
Increase your balance and coordination with this simplified, yet meditative version of Tai Chi created by Roger Jahnke, Doctor of Oriental Medicine. This form can be practiced seated, standing and/or walking. If you have previously tried Tai Chi and had difficulty memorizing the sequences, this class is for you! You may attend any or all the classes; no experience necessary. Medical clearance and permission from the program director are required; call Christine at (917) 441–3743 for information and pre–registration.
Chair Yoga ****Please note time changes
2 Thursdays, May 2, 9: 10–10:50 am &
6 Thursdays, May 23, 30, June 6, 13, 20, 27: ****11–12 pm
Cindy Moss, Certified Yoga Instructor
A yoga class appropriate for all ages and abilities, using chairs for your stability and comfort. No prior experience is necessary. You will be guided through a gentle practice that will encourage you to stretch mindfully, breathe deeply and relax.
Gentle Strengthening and Stretching (On–going)
Mondays, May & June: 1:00–2:00 pm No Class: May 27
Thursdays, May & June: 1:30–2:30 pm No Class: May 9 & 16
Tia Speros-Harker, Fitness Instructor, ACE Certified
Yes, you can turn back the clock! Learn simple exercises using bands and weights. Increase joint flexibility, mobility and balance, halt bone loss and prevent fractures. Most exercises are done in the chair. You must arrive 10 minutes before class; late comers will not be allowed in. Medical clearance and permission from the program director are required; call Christine at (917) 441–3743 for information.
Kol DOROT: Singing
7 Thursdays, May 7 & June: 2:40—3:45 pm No Class: May 9 & 16
Scott Stein, Pianist, Composer & Arranger
If you enjoy the music of Gershwin, Porter, Rodgers & Hammerstein, and all the other wonderful songwriters from the 1920’s to the 1960’s, you’ll love singing with Kol DOROT! You don’t have to read music or even sing well....just love getting together with friendly people every week to sing the songs that hold special memories! We do a little Yiddish and a little Hebrew singing, too. No audition required!
Senior Café on the 7th Floor
Tuesdays, May & June: 12:15–2:00 pm
Join us for tea, cookies and great conversation. We have wonderful volunteers who host and hostess. The 7th floor is friendly, comfortable and sunny—a lovely place to sit and schmooze. You are welcome to bring lunch.
THE MEMORY TREE at DOROT
DOROT is pleased to host The Memory Tree, a program specifically designed for people with mild memory problems and their caregivers. The Memory Tree believes that the best way to fight the aging process—including the loss of memory—is through mental and physical fitness. Each week join The Memory Tree for a wide variety of classes and workshops: Tuesdays; May 7, 14, 21, 28 & June 4, 11, 18, 25.
To register and learn more about The Memory Tree, please contact Elizabeth Fine, LCSW at 917–656–0558.
For Seniors at Home — Classes on the Telephone
For seniors and caregivers who can’t come to DOROT, we offer classes on the telephone via University Without Walls. These teleconference programs bring learning, laughter, friendship, mental stimulation, and access to resources and peers right into the home. Registration can be done over the phone or by mail; scholarships are available. Our staff is happy to call and assist with course selection and can read the brochures to seniors with visual impairments. To get more information and register for University Without Walls, please call Melissa Esparza at (212) 769–2850.
Wellness Program Guidelines
- Fee: $5 per class, Scholarships available
- Please arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before class
- Wear sneakers or flat rubber soled shoes to class
- You must fill out a Wellness Participant Information Form
- To participate in exercise classes, you must speak with Wellness Program staff and bring a note from your doctor
Classes will be held at 171 West 85th Street, 2nd Floor
Call Christine Hodan for details – (917) 441–3743
DOROT’s Wellness Program for Seniors was created in 1994 by Karen Fuller, the Director of DOROT’s Health and Nutrition Services, who is trained in Social Work, Naturopathic Medicine and Acupuncture.
|
Email 
Print
