BALANCED LIFE
PRACTISING tai chi is a way to improve balance, relieve arthritis pain and, for many Townsville seniors, keep an active social life.
Ann Sheehan instructs three classes a week at the Heatley Community Hall and Villa McAuley.
Ms Sheehan got her first taste of the Chinese martial art about 18 years ago, when she was working in aged care in New South Wales.
“I was invited to go along to learn tai chi so I could pass it on to the residents,” she said.
“I could see for myself it was improving my balance, therefore preventing falls, improving my coordination and not only that, it just relaxes you. It’s one way of meeting new people.”
Ms Sheehan moved to North Queensland and was contacted by Townsville City Council, who wanted her involvement with an over- 50s exercise program.
She said she had had a “tremendous response” to the classes.
“I’ve had students coming ever since I started here 13 years ago,” she said.
“They form a really good friendship among themselves and have coffee after the classes.
“One 90- year- old woman drives all the way in from Rasmussen, she’s there every Monday.”
Ms Sheehan said her range in age from 56 to 90.
“Anyone can do tai chi. I’ve had people who are wheelchair bound, people that have had strokes,” she students said. “You don’t have to be a senior to do tai chi.”
Ms Sheehan said tai chi was helpful to those who have recently had a knee replacement.
“It gets the knees moving, it’s very gentle on the joints. It makes them aware of how they transfer weight from one leg to the other,” she said.
It also helps with arthritis, which she said “99 per cent” of her students suffer from.
Ms Sheehan said osteoarthritis sufferers and people prone to falls could also benefit from tai chi.
Sophie Novak started practising tai chi about 18 months ago and attends Ms Sheehan’s classes once a week.
“It’s really nice and the ladies there are really nice, it’s a good outing,” she said.
Although Ms Novak doesn’t suffer from arthritis or any illnesses, she has seen improvements to her health.
“It has improved my balance quite a bit, and breathing, so I have a lot more energy,” she said.
Ms Sheehan teaches tai chi at the Heatley Community Hall at 9.30am on Mondays and Tuesdays, and at Villa McAuley at 11am on Mondays.