Gentle Tai Chi for Seniors - Mornington Classes

🧘‍♀️ Join our friendly, weekly Tai Chi classes at St Mary's Anglican Church in Mornington, designed specifically for falls prevention. These gentle, focused sessions are perfect for those with reasonable mobility seeking to improve balance and strength.

Class Details:

• Led by trained Peer Leaders using Dr. Paul Lam's simplified Tai Chi method
• Weekly one-hour sessions in a supportive environment
• Affordable $3 entry fee
• Primarily designed for over 65s but open to all interested participants
• Wear comfortable clothes and flat shoes, bring a water bottle

Contact: Margaret Dando QSM

Phone: 03-479-3052

Email: margaret@ageconcernotago.co.nz

Location: St Mary's Anglican Church, 3 Whitby Street, Mornington, Dunedin 9011

The Health Benefits of Tai Chi for Kiwi Seniors 🌿

Tai Chi, often described as "meditation in motion," offers numerous health benefits particularly valuable for older adults. This ancient Chinese practice combines gentle flowing movements with mindful breathing, making it an ideal low-impact exercise option.

Why Tai Chi is perfect for older adults:

• Improves balance and reduces fall risk by up to 70%
• Strengthens muscles without putting stress on joints
• Enhances flexibility and mobility
• Promotes better breathing and relaxation
• Develops greater body awareness and mindfulness

The Age Concern Otago programme utilises the Sun Style of Tai Chi, which features more upright stances and smaller foot movements than other styles. This makes it particularly accessible for beginners and those with mobility considerations.

Each session allows participants to work at their own pace, with rest breaks encouraged whenever needed. The supportive group environment creates both social connection and motivation, important factors in maintaining regular exercise habits.

Regular practice has been shown to improve quality of life, reduce anxiety, and help manage conditions like arthritis. Many participants report feeling more confident in their everyday movements and activities after just a few weeks of regular practice.