All classes end on Sun 20th October and start back again with Kung Fu Dragons on Sat 2nd November 2024. There will however be two Tai Chi classes on Tue 29th and Wed 30th October. New students are welcome: contact us to show your interest

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TAI CHI & THE ELDERLY

SEEKING TO IMPROVE BALANCE, CO-ORDINATION & BODY AWARENESS TO HELP IN THE PREVENTION OF TRIPS AND FALLS
We are very privileged to be able to teach our Tai Chi to residents in local homes for the elderly within our district of Totnes and Dartington, South Devon as well as "open" classes in Paignton, Torbay. We are continually asked to expand our area of operation and we endeavour to fulfil the requests wherever possible. See our Classes & Workshops page for more details.

How Does Tai Chi Help The Elderly?

In September 2012 new guidance was issued from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (Agile) to advise elderly people to take up Tai Chi or dance to substantially reduce the likelihood of trips & falls (35% reduction in risk). They recommend twice a week sessions for up to 6 months for those most at risk.

We seek to improve balance, co-ordination and body awareness to help in the prevention of trips and falls but all our elderly classes have also been adapted to allow for those participants who are unable to rise from chairs or are wheelchair bound. There are mobilisation exercises to increase blood flow and improve general health which is further helped by deep breathing exercises to aid in the oxygenation of the body.

Benefits for the Mind, Body & Spirit

Also prevalent is a substantial amount of mind/body connection exercises which helps to combat the affects of dementia and similar conditions.

Most importantly, we provide a focus point for the participants where their brains are stimulated with wide-ranging discussions from Taoism to Quantum Physics, from politics to current affairs, from past stories to personal experiences - these are all-inclusive classes.

"Great fun to teach, great fun to be involved in!"

Beginners are always welcome but it is good to contact us in the first instance to discuss the most appropriate class to suit you.

What people say...

"It is a fantastic way to get harmony back in your life” - John (66)

“It has definitely improved my balance” - Mavis (83)

“You can instantly see the difference when they have done a class” - Vicky (Carer)

“There is no doubt that the ones who do Tai Chi are much more balanced, co-ordinated and lively. There has been a notable decrease in the number of accidents due to trips and falls" - Irene (Residential Home Manager)

“I look forward to it every week. I wished I started it 20 years ago” - Pat (89)

“The Mind, Body & Spirit are all addressed in the classes” - Hugo

“It is great to have something that looks at all aspects of your being including the past, present and future” - John (63)

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2024 Class Times

All of our Tai Chi Beginners classes are available for those who are reasonably fit and active. The class on Wednesday morning is easily accessible with parking.

Unfortunately, for the foreseeable future, we are not in a position to offer classes at residential homes or in specific locations for elderly students.

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