WHEELING — Oglebay Institute announded a new program that provides opportunities for older adults to try some new activities, get healthier, learn new things and get more creative, all while engaging with peers and building new friendships.

The Full Life Arts & Wellness Program includes workshops in fitness/balance, theater, storytelling, visual art, technology help and health education. It meets once a week for eight weeks at the Stifel Fine Arts Center in Wheeling.

Harder, a senior fitness specialist and therapeutic recreation specialist, has more than 30 years of experience working with older adults.

The Full Life Arts and Wellness program begins Tuesday, March 22. Two class times are available –Tuesdays from 1-2:30 p.m. or Fridays from 10-11:30 a.m.

Workshop descriptions:

Fitness/Balance

Cardio Drumming: Combine drumsticks, an exercise ball and upbeat music to experience one of the most fun workouts you’ll ever do.

Strength & Balance: Reduce your risk for falls with great, easy to learn exercises you can continue at home.

Theater

Improv: Challenge your wit and quick thinking and get ready to laugh while you learn basic improv theater games.

Storytelling

When I Was Your Age: Pair up with a range of school-age kids to tell the story of your life when you were their age. Your stories will be recorded in writing or pictures by the youngster, creating a wonderful memory book for you to keep.

Visual Art

Paint & Sip: Try your hand at a guided acrylic painting as you sip coffee, tea or hot cocoa. No painting experience required!

Technology Help

Brave the Basics: Bring your devices and your questions to this workshop! A bit of troubleshooting, some safety tips, and lots of resources to help you put technology to use for you.

Health Education

Home Safety: Discover the hidden dangers that hide in your home and learn what changes you can make to prevent injury.

Basic Nutrition: Have your nutrition needs changed as you’ve aged? Learn a variety of facts and tips for healthy eating in this informative workshop.

Harder said the atmosphere is casual and everyone is encouraged to participate at their own level.

“We’re all good at different things, so I anticipate we’ll be able to help each other in lots of different ways as the workshops and activities change from week to week,” she said.

For those who may be a bit apprehensive about trying something new or going to a new place where they may not know anyone, Harder said, “You only live once; you can do just about anything for an hour or so, and we won’t be a group of strangers for long!”

There is a cost for the eight-week program, and Oglebay Institute members receive a discount. Transportation and/or financial assistance may be available on an as-needed basis. Call 304-242-4200 for more information.

This program is funded by a grant from the River Valley Health Foundation.

Participants can register at OIonline.com or call 304-242-7700.