Rodney Seniors limber up at Tai Chi get-together

Slow, precise movements were performed in unison by more than 70 senior citizens at a Tai Chi prize-giving in Orewa last month.

Tai Chi exponents had travelled from Wellsford, Warkworth and Mahurangi to take part in the event with others from Orewa and Stanmore Bay.

They began by performing a warm up, or qi gong, led by Andrew Young, an instructor from Warkworth who is among those contracted by ACC to teach modified Tai Chi classes to people aged 65 and older.

A demonstration by Tai Chi expert Eric Luo followed, then certificates were given out in recognition of each person’s commitment to the programme.

The Rodney ACC Tai Chi Falls Prevention programme began two years ago, with the aim of keeping older folk active and helping with recovery from operations or injury as well as fall prevention.

Bev Bowmar and her friend Judith Brown of Wellsford joined Tai Chi classes at their local community centre because they were certain it would be good for their physical wellbeing.
“It has been wonderful for flexibility, and I’d recommend it to anyone,” Bev says. “It’s also a very friendly group.”

Classes are available at Wellsford Community Centre and are often offered as part of a green prescription or by ACC.

For more information, contact the Tai Chi Coordinator at Harbour Sport 09 415 4610 or accordinator@harboursport.co.nz

The ancient art of Tai Chi is being practised by increasing numbers of elderly folk as part of the Rodney ACC Tai Chi Falls Prevention scheme.