Every year one out of three Vermonters takes a serious fall (and this is pretty much true across the nation). The costs are huge—not only to the individual but to their family and community and to our public health system. A shocking number of people even die from falls and the complications resulting from falls.

Tai Chi derives from martial arts first practiced in China more than 800 year ago. Over the centuries various styles of Tai Chi evolved. Numerous studies have found that Tai Chi is one of the best forms of exercise for improving balance and reducing falls. The origin of the forms we'll be working with, Sun style is particularly well-suited for working with people who wish to improve their balance as it is more upright and uses smaller steps. The Centers for Disease Control and Injury Prevention (CDC), the Administration on Community Living (ACL) and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) have recognized Tai Chi for Arthritis—the same form we use but call Fall Prevention Tai Chi--as among the highest tier of most effective falls prevention programs for older adults.

We'll learn forms that emphasize
* deliberate weight transference
* healthy posture
* relaxed breathing
* body awareness
* steps that improve balance and agility

We'll meet at 10 a.m. for eight Tuesdays, September 9-October 28, at the Unitarian Universalist Meetinghouse in Springfield, Vt. (21 Fairground Road) and via Zoom livestream online. Classes are 60 minutes, and recordings will be posted afterwards.

We'll be exploring the movements of Fall Prevention Tai Chi (simplified Sun style), practicing both standing and seated. If being on your feet for an extended time is challenging for you, you can join us right from your chair. And bonus: on Sept. 23 we'll be welcoming other Springfield area tai chi teachers and students to mark Fall Prevention Awareness Month with a special practice and seasonal refreshments.

This class series is supported by Senior Solutions. Reserve your spot (and get the livestream link) by pre-registering online