Tai Chi Fall Prevention Training Program Offered at Windham Senior Center

Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance will be offered as a tai chi fall prevention training program at the Windham Senior Center beginning September 12, 2018.  You can sign up for 1 or two classes per week, and six or 12 weeks of classes. 12 weeks of classes will be offered twice a week, led by Certified Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance Instructor Laddie Sacharko.  Wed and Fridays 10-1100AM or 100-200PM

This protocol has been adopted by the CDC Agency on Community living as the standard (best of the best) for evidence based
tai chi fall prevention training programs.

“Seats” for this tai chi fall prevention training program are limited; contact: 
Kate Cox,   
Activities Director,     Windham Senior Center: 860-423-4524kcox@windhamct.com.

In a study conducted by researchers at the University of CT, a group of 80 somethings (80.4) and a group of 70 somethings (71.2) were compared in tasks related to functional ability, including functional strength. The 80 year olds performed better in nearly all measures than the 70 year olds. The 80 year olds had just completed 16 weeks of practicing a Tai Chi fall prevention training program. There has always been the claim by practitioners that practicing  Tai Chi could turn back the hands of time. This study seems to support that idea.

The study concluded that:  Older adults’ participation in a community-based Tai Chi (fall prevention training ) program may lead to improvement in strength, mobility, and confidence in performing functional tasks. Incorporation of elements of Tai Chi into therapy programs for older adults at risk for fall and referral to community-based Tai Chi fall prevention training programs may be viable options in the continuum of health-related care for older adults.

2017 Nov 9. doi: 10.1519/JPT.0000000000000153. [Epub ahead of print]

Balance and Functional Outcomes for Older Community-Dwelling Adults Who Practice Tai Chi and Those Who Do Not: A Comparative Study.