Not all classes listed here are offered every term
Course Title Description of Course
Older Adult Classes Classes for Seniors
Fine & Applied Arts  
American Music Explore American music form the roots of fold and jazz to the Big Band era and pop/rock.  Learn our patriotic songs and hits for musical theater across time.  Singe along to cowboy songs of the Old West, folk songs of the civil Rights era, and holiday songs.  Learn about various styles and explore the origins/history of the music.
Art Fundamentals This class includes learning beginning techniques in drawing with pencil and charcoal.  Students will learn the basic principles of using pastels, watercolor and acrylic painting techniques.  This class is designed for beginners or those who wish to brush up on skills.  A supply list will be given to students at the first class meeting.
Creating Stuffed Animals Learn how to create and sew stuffed animals and toys for infants and children.  These items can be used as gifts for holidays or other occasions.  Students will assist in design, cutting, sewing, and assembling the toys.  Decorative touches will be added.  Bring a sewing kit and portable sewing machine if you have one. Some materials will be provided.
Music - Solo Singing
 This supportive program encourages individual progress in solo singing through performance in class. Curriculum stresses healthy vocal technique. Students will become more confident singing music of their own choice with piano accompaniment or tapes.
Arts and Crafts Students will learn and incorporate new skills with old while experimenting with art media techniques, color and design in order to maintain or improve fine motor skills and mental acuity.  Art appreciation of various styles and cultures will be explored.
Music Musicals, jazz, old-time favorites; music sung and appreciated in other eras and cultures can be enjoyed in this upbeat class.
Historical and Current Perspectives Activities help students recall similar events and compare them to today's events to foster mental alertness and feelings of independence.
Literature Students will review the great plays, books and poetry of the world with opportunities for creative expression.
Mental Fitness Quizzes, games, trivia and other techniques are used to enhance memory and keep minds alert.
Oil Painting Under the direct supervision of the teacher, students will be introduced to the basic principles and techniques of oil painting.  Students will also lean basic composition, color theory and carious other oil painting theories and practices.  Themes will include floral, seascape, landscape, still life, portraits, and other painting topics.  Students provide their own tools/supplies.  Look at the current brochure to determine the theme for the current sessions.
Mental Fitness  
Bridge - Basic/Intermediate
 		 The course is designed to exercise your mind by learning to play bridge.  Learn the game of strategy that offers a continuous challenge and increases mental acuity.  Learn the language, rules and strategies in a stimulating and fun environment.
Bridge- Winning Declare Play
 		 For most players, the play of the hand is the most exciting part of the game.  Come join this fun-filled class and learn how to bring home more contracts by making a plan before we play to the first trick.  Basic bridge knowledge is required.
Memory Enhancement Improve memory skills in a fun setting.  Stretch your mind with mental exercises including word games, trivia, and more.  Discover how long-term and short-term memory works while exploring the differences between real memory loss and forgetfulness.  Learn how to develop a healthy lifestyle that promotes good memory.
Mental Fitness Quizzes, games, trivia and other techniques are used to enhance memory and keep minds alert.
Oral & Written Communication
 Writing your life story is important.  If you do not tell it, who will?  Share your experiences, crises, and successes with your loved ones.  This class will trigger memories that will make you think of your childhood.  It is not a class about grammar or spelling or a chronological order.  It is about recording your thoughts and writing from the heart.  You will be amazed how much you have to write.  Come and enjoy the fun of sharing your story and hearing the stories of others.
Physical Fitness Fitness for Seniors
Aerobics for Mind and Body through Dance For seniors who want to start their day with movement, exercise, relaxation and meditation.  Get fit and have fun while learning various Ballroom, Western Line and Square dance routines.  Every session begins with a form of Tai Chi stretching and ends with relaxation/meditation exercises.  A mat or large towel is recommended.  Soft-soled shoes are required.
Chair Exercise Low-impact toning and firming will be done while seated and standing class includes restoring and maintaining joint range or motion.  Program also includes gentle stretching for flexibility and cardio-vascular health.  Join the fun while you improve your physical well-being.  Great for beginners.
Chair Yoga
 Get the benefits of yoga in a class designed just for you!  Yoga fitness exercises will be adapted to a seated position in a chair.  Breathing, stretching and relaxation techniques will be included.  Gain greater flexibility, strength and confidence from this new approach to the ancient science of yoga.  You may register at Pacific Inn for the class held there.  The Torrance Memorial Medical Site class is co-sponsored by Advantage of Torrance Memorial.  Please call 310-517-4666 to register for that class.
Fitness Difference for Seniors Join the fun! Class emphasizes movements for a particular area of the body.  Exercise include strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, coordination and body mechanics.  Friday class features partner exercise, team coordination steps, chair and floor stretch movements, dancing and more!
Forever Fit - A 'Back' Class & More Learn to care for you back. Increase energy, raise endorphins, circulation, release stress and pain.  Stretching techniques include Tai-Chi, Yoga, Dance floor work and Pilates.  Wear sports shoes and bring water and a mat.
Low Impact Aerobics This 'lite' low-impact aerobics class is specifically designed for seniors.  This class will emphasize a long warm-up, a 'lite' aerobic workout, toning and stretching, and a long cool-down.  Care of the lower back is also emphasized.  Bring a mat and hand weights to class.
Low Impact Aerobics Through Dance Dance your way to health in this fun class!  Get fit moving to the jazz, swing, and rock n' roll beat.  We'll spice it up with Latin/Salsa moves and Western line dance.  move to the music from different eras and cultures.  Included will be warm-ups, cool-downs, and stretching for flexibility and strength.  Bring a mat and your dancing shoes.  This class is sponsored by Advantage of Torrance Memorial.  Call (310) 517-4666 to register.
Muscle Strengthening Safe and proper techniques for upper and lower body strengthening will be taught.  This will help improve posture, strengthen the back, assist with balance and avoid bone loss.  Students will use free weights, elastic bands and other equipment to enhance strength building.  A chair aerobic routine is included.
Senior Exercise
 Maintaining health and well-being is the focus in this senior exercise class.  Exercises will include stretching, toning and light aerobics and strength building.  Stretch bands, relaxation techniques and breathing movements will be included.  This class is offered as a cooperative effort with Little Company of Mary Health Education Programs.  A physician's waiver may be required.
Walk for Health
 Begin the walk of 10,000 steps.  This Walking course is done at a brisk pace. Each walk will be followed with weight training.  Students should bring their own weights.
Walk for Health
 Walk your way to better health in these walking classes specifically designed for seniors.  Warm-up and cool-down exercises will be part of each session.  The first meeting will be held in the classroom for new students only.  Returning students will meet on location at the Torrance Beach Lifeguard station in subsequent classes all students will meet at the beach for the aerobic experience of walking along our beautiful coastline.  No pets allowed.
Yoga Yoga brings together the mind, body and much more - anybody can do it!  basic postures and relaxation techniques will be covered.  The class promotes flexibility, builds strength and endurance using your own body weight.   Improve balance, increase lung capacity and develop better concentration.  Bring a mat
Cultural Studies
 Travel around the world and across time in this exciting new class! Learn bout various cultures of the world through the customs, arts, music, and regional cuisine.  Discover the influence of history and geography on the growth of civilization.  Share your travel and cultural experiences.  Explore other worlds through the use of films, discussion and visual artifacts.
Historical & Current Perspectives
 Activities help students recall similar events and compare them to today's events to foster mental alertness and feelings of independence.
Literature Review great plays, books and poetry of the world with opportunities for creative expression.
Adults with Disabilities
Independent Living skills Stroke People who have had a stroke will gain an understanding of the physical and emotional changes caused by a stroke.  Exercise and re-education will be used to help students maintain happy family and community participation and physical independence.  Students will gain insight and a positive outlook on life i the post-stroke period.
Mobility Skills - Leisure time designed for students to become familiar with constructive ways to communicate positive feelings through the use of art and music.  Creative projects that develop manipulative skills and appreciation for the arts will be presented.  Introduction to various media and presentation skills will be explored.
Caregiver Training
 Care giving for an ill or aging person is challenging!  Through a series of lectures you'll be be provided with tools to assist you in this process.  Learn how to access community resources including in-home care services, adult day care, residential and skilled nursing care.  Learn strategies on handling the physical, emotional, and economical impact of care giving.  You will receive up-to-date information from experts working in these areas.  Call Advantage (310) 517-4666 to register.