Seniors

As we grow older, we all experience changes in the way our bodies function and react to illness, injury and the aging process. Longevity, the ability to live well and function normally into old age, is becoming of paramount importance in Canada today as a huge segment of our population moves into their senior years. Most people would agree that to live free of disease and pain, to be mobile and to continue acting as a functioning member of their families and society as a whole would be their primary goal for their 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.

Tai Chi Chuan has been practiced in Chinese societies for just these reasons for hundreds of years. Contrary to a popular misconception, it is not necessary to begin learning Tai Chi Chuan in your youth in order to reap the benefits of this Art. In fact, many practitioners in their 80’s only started to learn Tai Chi in their late 50’s, 60’s or even 70’s. The slow gentle movements and nature of this Art make it a form of exercise perfectly suited to older adults who are interested in making the most of their senior years as well as those who are presently living with issues such as Osteoporosis, Arthritis, balance problems, digestive problems, heart issues, poor circulation, high blood pressure, chronic back pain, stress and loneliness and a host of other age related issues.

Clifford Michaels has been working with several groups of seniors for well over a year now in community centres and physiotherapy offices around the GTA with great success. As they progress through their classes, students feel reductions in pain, improvements in mobiity and flexibility, and many other physical and mental changes that enable them to lead more productive and happier lives.