While standard exercise routines are centered around aesthetics or endurance, Anne Murray of the Southern Maine Agency on Aging runs several classes for senior citizens concerned about falling down.

In the warm dining and activity room at Unity Gardens senior living center on Route 115 in North Windham, Murray holds her free exercise class for seniors. Murray is the coordinator of the Agewell program, which was designed to promote the quality of life of seniors.

The Agewell Exercise Series program, which is also sponsored by the Partnership for Healthy Aging, employs a number of stretches and position-holding exercises. The only equipment needed is a chair. About half of the routines can be done while sitting.

“I was afraid it was going to be too strenuous,” said Ted Ekholm, 79, of Standish. This was Ekholm’s first time in the exercise class. He had recently undergone a heart operation and his doctor recommended he take the class.

Ekholm said he enjoyed the class and plans to come back.

Walking was stressed as a cheap, easy way to get exercise between classes. Murray recommended people walk inside buildings during the winter, such as a large store or even the halls of Unity Gardens itself.

“If I was building a building, I’d make sure there was a walking track. There’s a certain demand for it,” said Murray.

Seniors who are able to climb stairs should do so whenever they can instead of riding elevators, according to Murray.

Murray said that seniors need to keep their ankles strong and flexible to help lessen the chances that they may fall and be hurt. Wrist exercises were also stressed to help people should they have to catch themselves.

While the Agewell Exercise Series is free, a more time-intensive class is available called A Matter of Balance for a $10 enrollment fee. Held for two hours each session, the program is also hosted by Murray and takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at Unity Gardens.

“I’m much more flexible since I started A Matter of Balance,” said Unity Gardens resident Lillian Irish, who is 75.

Fellow Unity Gardens resident Eleanor Garside, 77, said the exercise classes have a good, friendly atmosphere and said she likes going for the social aspect.

The Meals on Wheels program has balanced, nutritious meals available for when the classes get out. Murray said the $3.50 fee is a great deal for seniors, and that it provides them with the kind of food they should be eating.

Future Agewell exercises continue every other Thursday this winter from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Unity Gardens. The remaining dates are Feb. 8, Feb. 22, March 8, March 22. For more information call 1-800 427-7411.