Recent studies show that practicing the ancient form of martial art called Tai Chi can reduce falls in older adults by 70 percent. According to Harvard Medical School, this gentle, low-impact form of exercise goes a long way in helping seniors maintain strength, flexibility, vitality, balance and an improved immune system—all without forcing the muscles, stretching connective tissue or overextending the joints. In addition to a wide variety of the health benefits, those who practice Tai Chi report positive social benefits and an improvement in overall wellbeing.
That is why the Allegheny County Health Department’s (ACHD) Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Department has included an evidence-based program called Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention as part of its current offerings on fall prevention for older adults.
“This program keeps my joints flexible while being stress free,” comments a participant at the Beechview Healthy Active Living Center, one of various locations around town where the classes are offered. “I love coming to this program. My body has become more flexible. It has help me in walking and has made me more aware of the importance of movement.”
The classes are made possible through an Unintentional Injury Prevention Program grant that ACHD received through the Pennsylvania Department of Health in 2023 to improve the lives of Allegheny County residents across their lifespans by specifically addressing three focus areas: falls prevention for older adults, motor vehicle safety, and adverse childhood experiences. ACHD’s two evidence-based falls prevention programs around the county are called “A Matter of Balance” and “Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention.”
The Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention classes are perfect for adults ages 55 and older with or without arthritis, rheumatic diseases or related musculoskeletal conditions, as well as for those with mild, moderate or severe joint or back pain. They are taught by board-certified Tai Chi for Health Institute instructors in a group class setting and can be modified for those who are in a seated position.
“I was concerned at first that the class would have a self-defense focus but I discovered that the movements are gentle and mindful, allowing myself to move within my range and relax,” shares a participant at Morse Gardens Senior High Rise. “The class helped undo many of the aches and pains from my arthritis that often kept me from moving. I always feel better after class, even if I arrived feeling stiff and achy.”
Want to offer Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention at your location?
ACHD is seeking additional places that cater to seniors and who would like to deliver this impactful falls prevention program. If your senior-focused organization, senior living center, community center or assisted living center would like to help ACHD expand the program, contact Program Manager Andrea James (see information below) to set up a demonstration with an instructor at your facility.
“The great thing about this program is that we meet the residents where they are at by bringing the program to local senior high rises, assisted living facilities, and senior centers,” Andrea explains. “Participants work within their comfort level and can take the hour-long class sitting, standing, or a combination. Our senior instructor Gurney Bolster and veteran instructor Sharif Zyhier have over 40 years of combined experience and are very well known in the Tai Chi community.”
To learn more about the Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention or other programs or to schedule an instructor demonstration at your facility, call Andrea James at the ACHD at (412) 209-2662 or andrea.james@alleghenycounty.us.