YMCA Masterton is throwing open its Tai Chi classes throughout Wairarapa with a focus on older people.
Administrator Kim Siemonek said YMCA has partnered with ACC and is targeting people aged 65 and over to help reduce falls among the elderly.
She said classes are about 45 minutes long and will run
twice weekly over 20-week periods with an option at completion of attending ongoing classes.
She said the classes are tailored for participants aged 65 years or older - 55 years or older if Maori or Pacific Islander - and who have had a fall in the past year or are deemed at a high risk of a fall by a doctor or practice nurse.
"Another criteria is that you have been assessed by a nurse or doctor to ensure you are not in the small percentage of people too unfit or frail for modified Tai Chi classes." She said people are able to self-refer to ACC-funded Tai Chi classes and although GP clearance is preferred, it is not essential.
Tai Chi involves a series of slow, fluid, gentle movements that improve mobility, flexibility and balance and modified Tai Chi is a style developed for older people that focuses on preventing falls by improving lower limb strength and balance.
* Classes: Carterton, St Mark's Anglican Church Hall, Mondays from 1.15pm, with tutor Keiko Nojima. Martinborough, St Andrew's Anglican Church Hall, Thursdays, 9.45am, with Keiko Nojima. Masterton at the YMCA conference room, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, at 9.30am, with tutor Pare Albrett. Entry to each class is by gold coin or koha.
