Age well with Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention
Staying active becomes increasingly important as the years slip by, especially when it comes to preventing falls and maintaining our independence.
One program gaining widespread support in this important task is Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, a gentle, evidence-based tai chi program designed specifically for older adults and those with chronic health issues.
With its slow, controlled movements and mindful breathing, tai chi helps practitioners improve their balance, strength, and flexibility — key factors in reducing the risk of falls, a leading cause of injury among older adults.
Unlike high-impact workouts, the Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention program is suitable for people of varying fitness levels, including those with joint pain, limited mobility, or a fear of falling.
Regular tai chi practice has been found in numerous studies over the years to strengthen the muscles that support good posture and stability, while also improving balance, coordination, flexibility, and range of motion.
In addition, tai chi practitioners often report feeling more relaxed and confident with daily activities, and the group setting of these in-person classes adds valuable social connections, so important to overall wellness.
The Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention program has been found to be helpful in reducing falls and the discomfort of arthritis in many studies over the last 30 years and is recommended by the National Council on Aging, the CDC, and many other health organizations.
While the tai chi movements appear to be gentle and graceful, they actually contain a surprising power to increase internal strength without putting excess stress on the joints.
New Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention classes are forming now for early January at the Alexian Rehabilitation Hospital Outpatient Center in Elk Grove Village and at the Medinah Park District.
These classes are taught by Diana Nielsen, a retired occupational therapy assistant and certified instructor for the Tai Chi for Health Institute with over 7 years tai chi teaching experience.
Each hour-long class consists of warm up and cool down exercises, a review of previously learned moves, and the learning of one or two new moves in a positive and friendly learning environment.
Over the course of the six-week program, participants will begin to build the balance and strength that is so important in all of our daily activities as well as in stabilizing and protecting arthritic joints and in preventing falls.
If you would like to explore how tai chi can help you age well, you can find detailed Information on class dates, costs and locations on the website www.taichifallprevention.com or email the instructor at tcafp.dn@gmail.com. Class sizes are limited, so please register early using the information and links on the website.