Selfhelp Snippets
September 2013 
residents at Selfhelp Home
Tai Chi for Seniors
Finding new ways to assist residents at Selfhelp to remain active, healthy and engaged has long been part of the mission of Selfhelp. Recently, the home began offering seated tai chi classes twice a week for about one hour per class. There are two instructors, Renee Gatsis and Frank Sternberg, a current resident. Renee is certified by the Arthritis Foundation as well as the Tai Chi for Health Institute, and has been teaching tai chi for over 14 years. Frank and Renee have known each other for 30 years and were both students in the same tai chi school.

There are many styles of tai chi taught today and the form taught at Selfhelp is specially designed to meet the needs of elderly people and those with arthritis. Tai chi is performed by slowly and calmly moving and breathing through a series of movements which are collectively referred to as "the tai chi form."

Renee teaches Seated Tai Chi for Arthritis, which is the creation of Dr. Paul Lam, a practicing family physician and tai chi master with over 30 years of experience. The Arthritis Foundation has adopted Dr. Lam's Tai Chi for Arthritis Program, which has been taught in the United States for approximately 15 years and is estimated to have helped over a million people. The movements are performed while sitting in a chair and often, the participants require a walker or wheelchair for mobility.

   

What are the Benefits of Practicing Tai Chi as we Age?

   

Tai chi is one of the most effective exercises for the health of mind and body and is taught around the world. Tai chi helps people to relax and feel better. People practice tai chi for various health-related purposes, including:

  • obtaining the benefits associated with low-impact, weight-bearing, aerobic exercise;  
  • improving physical condition, muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility;
  • improving balance and decreasing the risk of falls;
  • easing pain and stiffness;
  • improving sleep; and overall wellness.

Harvard Medical School, in its May 2009 health publication, suggests that tai chi, which is often called meditation in motion, might well be referred to as "medication in motion," for in addition to preventing falls and reducing the effects of arthritis, the practice of tai chi has been shown to be helpful for a number of medical conditions including; low bone density, breast cancer and its side effects, heart disease and failure, hypertension, Parkinson's disease, sleep problems, and stroke.
 

Selfhelp Residents Enjoy the Benefits

 

Although the tai chi classes at Selfhelp started a short while ago, already residents are reaping the benefits of this soothing form of exercise. Here's what some of the participants had to say about the class:  

 

"I have an advanced case of arthritis and try to exercise each morning. I appreciate the sitting tai chi class because it gives me the opportunity to exercise my shoulders, I look forward to the class and don't need to bring any equipment." Dorothy Urman, 94  

 

"Standard exercise classes have always left me exhausted - too tired to even think. In the tai chi class, I rest when I need to rest. So I find myself wanting to continue with the program and participating without pushing myself and fading out." Betty Prichason, 92

 

Tai chi is especially suitable for older adults because its level of exertion can be adjusted for each individual. To learn more about Tai Chi for Arthritis, contact the Arthritis Foundation by calling 404-872-7100 or visit Dr. Lam's website at www.taichiforhealthinstitute.org.

celebration
Sukkot invitation
The Selfhelp Home is a Jewish non-profit senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, long-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation care.
celebrate sukkot at selfhelp

Entertainment Calendar
September 2013
entertainment at Selfhelp

You are welcome to join us for any of our events. Simply contact Barbara Snower. Click here to email to reserve your seat. We look forward to meeting you!

 

September 1

 2:30 p.m. 

Amanda and Karla,
Viola and Violin 

 

September 8

2:30 p.m.

Jeff & Janis,
Singing Duo

 

September 15

2:30p.m.

Highland Park
Piano Trio
with
Larry Block 

 

September 22

2:30p.m.

Prism Chamber Ensemble

 

September 29

2:30 p.m.

Winston Choi,
Piano 

Volunteers
Make All the Difference
 
Gardening Volunteers

If you have time to volunteer for just a few hours per month, we have many opportunities for you to become part of our family!

 

Our featured volunteer opportunity for the month of September is:

 

Gardening 

 

If you have a green thumb and enjoy getting your hands dirty, please help make our rooftop garden a more beautiful place to spend time. Join our Gardening Club as we begin preparing our container gardens for the fall season.

Please click here to volunteer your time to provide Gardening to a Selfhelp resident.

 

What do you think? We welcome your comments. Please email me at [email protected]