Welcome

You, or someone you know, may have been referred to us by a primary care provider, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, family member, friend, or community advocate. However you arrived, we’re glad you made it.

This page will walk you through the Central Oregon Otago Program and how you can start your journey to a stronger and more balanced body.

Our program is open to individuals who are over 65, have fallen in the last year, or have a fear of falling. This program is designed for older adults who want to improve their balance and mobility. We encourage anyone interested in enhancing their physical health to join.

Person wearing an ankle brace and blue running shoes, holding onto a chair, in an indoor setting.

Free to Participate

The program itself is free! The Central Oregon Otago Program is funded by donations and grants to make it accessible to our community.

Participants are encouraged to purchase a pair of adjustable ankle weights to use during their workouts at home. Scholarships are available for those in need of equipment.

Two elderly women exercising indoors, wearing ankle weights, holding onto chairs for support.

Locations

We are currently running weekly classes in Bend at Mosaic Community Health in partnership with the Oregon State University–Cascades Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program.

Beginning in Fall 2026, we are planning to expand classes to Redmond, Prineville, and Madras to increase access for communities across Central Oregon.

Looking ahead, we plan to continue expanding into community-hosted spaces, assisted living facilities, and senior centers throughout the region. We are also working toward offering virtual programming in the near future to reach even more participants.

Elderly people participating in chair exercise class indoors.

Accessible

Accessible for a wide berth of ages and abilities for those that have fallen or have a fear of falling, 65 and up! People with walkers, canes, etc. are all welcome. No prior experience is necessary.

Consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program, however, no doctor’s notes are needed to attend this program.

Our Exercises

  • A group exercise class with three elderly individuals, one using a walker with a basket containing a small dog, assisted by a younger female instructor. The setting is a room with chairs and soft lighting.

    Squat

  • Senior woman exercising with ankle weights in a community room, holding onto a chair for support, with other seniors in the background doing similar exercises.

    Hamstring Curl

  • A group of seniors and a young woman participating in a fitness class in a room, using chairs for support. Exercise equipment like dumbbells is on the floor.

    Toe Raises

  • Seniors exercising in chairs with ankle weights in a community center.

    Leg Extension

  • Seniors participating in a chair exercise class, using chairs for balance while wearing ankle weights.

    Hip Abduction