As part of our goal to reduce falls, ACC funds modified Tai Chi classes for people over 65 years old (55 years and over for Māori and Pacific people). Classes are taught each week in a group setting. Initial research shows that Tai Chi reduces falls by 47%.
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi involves a series of slow, fluid, gentle movements that improve mobility, flexibility and balance.
Modified Tai Chi
Modified Tai Chi is a style of Tai Chi developed for older people that focuses on preventing falls by improving lower limb strength and balance.
Why start Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is fun, and a great way to meet other people in your area. It provides regular exercise that can help you stop falling by improving your:
- fitness
- muscle strength
- balance
- flexibility.
Regular exercise can help improve blood pressure, blood sugar levels, cardiovascular function and can also help manage the symptoms of arthritis by increasing mobility and reducing pain.
Am I eligible to join?
If you are:
- aged 65 years or older (55 years or older if Māori or Pacific)
- living independently in the community
and have:
- had a fall in the last 12 months (or have been identified as at risk of falling by your health professional)
- been assessed by a nurse or doctor to ensure that you are not in the small percentage of people too fit or frail for modified Tai Chi classes
then you are eligible to take part in an ACC-funded, modified Tai Chi programme of classes.
I'm eligible to join - what now?
Modified Tai Chi classes are being offered in most places across New Zealand. Once you've made sure you're eligible to join the programme:
- Find out if there is a class in your area - see Modified Tai Chi classes around New Zealand.
- Contact the class co-ordinator listed for your local area for details of the days and times of classes.
- Get active!
If there isn't a co-ordinator in your area call 0800844657 and ask to speak with your local Injury Prevention Consultant.
My 16-week programme has ended – what now?
If you want to keep practising modified Tai Chi after you finish your 16-week programme with ACC you can:
- ask your current instructor if they offer ongoing classes, or
- contact an independent modified Tai Chi instructor. Contact an instructor in your area trained in the same style as the ACC funded programmes (ACC uses Dr Paul Lam’s Sun-style modified Tai Chi).
Note:
You will need to pay for these classes yourself.
Smart tips
Our Sport smart tips page links you to a tool that contains specific guidelines to help you prevent injury and perform better at Tai Chi (although the tool gives you a number of sports to choose from). It also allows you to add your own information, such as a contact list or ‘key dates’ list.
Check it out, and create some Smart tips of your own.
Modified Tai Chi instructor workshops
ACC is no longer providing Modified Tai Chi instructor training. If you require training or an update please contact Toi Walker, Master Tai Chi trainer.
phone: 021 117 5627 or email: toijaneen@hotmail.com
Last updated:30October2009