This modified Tai Chi programme is part of the ACC’s Fall Prevention Strategy, focused on improving lower limb strength and balance and is aimed especially at those vulnerable to injuring themselves in a slip, trip or fall.
Run by qualified teachers, the Tai Chi classes involve a series of slowly performed, gentle movements, which have proved successful in improving mobility, flexibility and balance as well as assisting with relaxation, stress and depression.
The classes are taught in a group setting for 45 minutes to one hour with two classes per week held over 20 weeks. Participants are encouraged to practice the movements at home and continue attending classes after the 20-week courses come to an end.
Those eligible to join must be 65 years or older, be living independently in the community, have had a fall in the last 12 months or deemed to be at high risk of a fall. They must undergo an assessment by a registered health professional. Eligible Maori and Pacific Islanders aged 55 years and over are also able to enrol in the classes.
According to the ACC’s Tai Chi programme manager Ann Rose, 25,000 people have participated in the classes, which are held throughout the country.
“Falls are a serious risk for older New Zealanders,” says Ms Rose. “In the 12 months to March 1 this year, there were 6423 new fall claims in the 65+ age group, costing the Government $10.9 million.
“Tai Chi is great for improving fitness, increasing muscular strength and improving balance and flexibility. It also gives older people more confidence and reduces their fear of falling.”
For information on Tai Chi classes in your area call ACC on 266 7473. You can also visit the corporation’s website on www.acc.co.nz
Bucklands Beach resident Chloe Saw has been teaching Tai Chi for more than 25 years.
Chloe will be known to many readers as the previous owner of several cafes in the area, including the Bamboo Garden Cafe in Highland Park. She started learning Tai Chi in Malaysia when she 14 years old and in 1993 and 1994 the Singapore National Wushu Federations awarded her advanced diplomas in Wushu, also known as 42-style Tai Chi. She also has various other qualifications gained through serious study of this graceful martial art.
“I came to New Zealand at the age of 24 and began sharing my knowledge of Tai Chi here, as I had in Malaysia. In 1993 I represented New Zealand in the Second World Wushu Competition, held in Malaysia. It was New Zealand’s first participation in such a prestigious event.”
Since 1995 Chloe has qualified as an international Wushu judge, training in Shanghai, China and in 1996 she became a qualified acupressure practitioner.
She currently teaches students privately, and a beginners class called Tai Chi for Arthritis at the Fo Guang Shan Temple in East Tamaki.
Chloe strongly encourages people to start practicing Tai Chi early on in life.
“Tai Chi is a great programme. It’s easy to learn – everyone can do it but don’t wait until you get sick or immobile – start when you’re healthy."
Don’t let your home go up in smoke
• Do a fire check every night before you turn out the light - • Are kitchen appliances turned off and safe? • Are heaters turned off and furniture and clothes one metre from heaters or the fireplace? • Has the ashtray been emptied into a metal bin outside? • Have you turned the TV off using the power switch on the set and not the remote control stand by? • Are all candles out before you go to bed? • Have you closed kitchen doors to slow a fire from spreading to bedrooms? • Is the house secure with keys in deadlocks? • Are the passageways clear for a clear escape? • Have you turned off all electric blankets at the wall before getting into bed?
Fire-fighting points to note:
• Child-resistant lighters are not child-proof. • Never leave cooking unattended. • Alcohol and cooking don’t mix. • Smoking in bed IS dangerous. • Don’t allow children to play with candles. • Ashes can take up to five days to cool. Place in a metal container, well clear of your home. • Don’t overload power points or multi-boxes. • Remember the heater-metre rule – keep furniture, clothes and curtains at least one metre away from heaters and fireplaces. • Ensure smoke alarms are working.
In the unfortunate event of a fire, once out of the house, stay out – never go back inside.
In the event of a fire, call 111 For the latest information on fire safety go to www.firesafety.org.nz
