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Serving People

Promoting health and preventing illness

Evidence-based programs for health promotion and disease prevention offer proven measures to encourage and support healthy aging among older adults. Many approved evidence-based programs are offered throughout the TARCOG service region of five counties. 

Programs are considered evidence-based when they are built either directly upon reliable studies showing the positive effects of specific approaches or upon model programs that meet this requirement.

There are more detailed, established criteria for determining if programs are evidence-based to secure approval and funding eligibility through the Older Americans Act Title III-D or other discretionary funding. 


The SAIL program is an evidence-based health promotion program for adults 65 and older. Participants perform exercises that improve strength, balance, and fitness, which are the most important aspects for adults to stay active and reduce their chance of falling.

According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. One in four Americans age 65+ falls each year. The SAIL Program began as a result of the Senior Fall Prevention Study founded by the Centers for Disease Control and coordinated by the Washington State Department of Health and Northwest Orthopedic Institute. Study results showed that falls decreased by 26% among seniors who attended SAIL exercise classes at least two to three days per week.

All five counties in TARCOG’s region participated in SAIL Program classes to earn certification to conduct SAIL Leadership Training in their respective senior centers. For information about SAIL classes in your area, please choose a county from the list below and contact the nearest site.

Tai Chi for Arthritis

Tai Chi for Arthritis is another evidence-based program designed to improve movement, balance, strength, flexibility, and relaxation and decrease pain and falls.

This program is only offered in Dekalb County, with a goal to have Madison, Limestone, Jackson, and Marshall counties approved to offer services to eligible participants by the end of April 2023.

For more details on Tai Chi for Arthritis classes, click and visit Home – Tai Chi for Health Institute.


Staying Socially Engaged

Being engaged and connected to others and your community improves emotional well-being, mental health, and physical health. Click here to take a short quiz to see if you may be experiencing social isolation or loneliness, and for tips to grow your social connections.


Wellness Classes

DeKalb County

  • SAIL
    Fort Payne Council on Aging
    600 Tyler Ave. SE
    Fort Payne, AL 35967
  • SAIL Leader Name: Gene Fleming
    256-845-8590
  • Date & Time:
    Monday, Wednesday & Friday
    11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Tai Chi for Arthritis
    Fort Payne Council on Aging
    600 Tyler Ave. SE
    Fort Payne, AL 35967
  • SAIL Leader Name: Frank Kennedy
    256-845-8590
  • Date & Time:
    Wednesday, one hour per week for 16 weeks
    9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Madison County

  • Huntsville/Madison Senior Center
    2200 Drake Ave.
    Huntsville, AL 35805
  • SAIL Leader Name: Claire Wood
    256-880-7080
  • Date & Time:
    Monday & Thursday
    1:40 p.m. – 2:40 p.m.

Jackson County

  • Scottsboro Fun Lunch Bunch
    132 Rita Williams Drive
    Scottsboro, AL 35769
  • SAIL leader Name: Brenda Wall
    256-574-6623
  • Date & Time:
    Monday & Thursday
    9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Limestone County

  • East Limestone Senior Center
    25820 Nick Davis Road
    Athens, AL 35613
  • SAIL Leader Name: Madison Herron
    256-233-6412
  • Date & Time:
    Tuesday & Thursday
    9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Marshall County

  • The Center on Broad Adult Health & Community Center
    709 S. Broad St.,
    Albertville, AL 35950
  • SAIL Leader Name: Carolyn Crump
    256-891-8279
  • Date & Time: 
    Monday & Thursday
    9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
  • Guntersville Senior Community Center
    1503 Sunset Drive
    Guntersville, AL 35976
  • SAIL Leader Name: Reita Graham
    256-505-3000
  • Date & Time:
    Tuesday & Thursday
    10 a.m. – 11 a.m.