We all know the importance of staying active for our physical and mental health, but during these uncertain times it can be difficult to stay motivated, especially as we get older.
We spoke to Lighthouse Tai Chi to find out more about the benefits of using Tai Chi as a gentle and relaxing way of keeping active in later life. With regular practice, joints and tendons are stronger and more supple; balance, posture and co-ordination improve and the ability to deal with stressful situations becomes easier. Other benefits include improved digestion and breathing and finding it easier to sleep at night.
Lighthouse Tai Chi have over 10 years’ experience, teaching hundreds of people every week and providing a supportive and friendly environment for learning as well as the opportunity to meet people and participate in community events.
Helena Kean from Lighthouse Tai Chi, says, “The gentle, ancient art of Tai Chi is one of the safest and most effective ways of improving and protecting your health for the future. The slow, controlled, relaxed movements with focussed breathing builds resilience and strength in both the mind and body, and improves general health and well-being.”
Exercise in later life is extremely important for lowering your risk of developing a variety of health conditions, including heart disease and dementia, and can also help to reduce your risk of falls by improving balance and core strength.
As well as Tai Chi, other forms of gentle exercise that can be done in later life include yoga and pilates, improving flexibility and strengthening and toning your muscles, allowing you to reconnect with your body through mindful movement.
The Marsden have been supporting Lighthouse Tai Chi by sponsoring their summer wellbeing events for a number of years. Held across August in parks in Nelson and Barrowford, Tai Chi in Pendle Parks allows everyone from complete beginners to advanced level students to experience the energy of moving together in natural surroundings, breathing in the fresh air – just as its creator intended.
“Feeling connected to our community and our environment is key to long-term wellbeing and happiness” added Helena “We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed for some dry weather so we can really connect, but a few showers won’t dampen our spirits!”.
“Exercise in later life is so important for keeping the mind and body healthy and events like Tai Chi in the Park give people of all ages chance to connect with each other” said Rob Pheasey, Chief Executive of the Marsden. “As a local building society, we’re pleased to be able to support Lighthouse Tai Chi with these events and look forward to seeing more people (and even a few of our members!) there in the future.”
Lighthouse Tai Chi’s final event of the summer will take place on 23rd August at Victoria Park in Barrowford. For more information visit www.lighthousetaichi.com.