Phil and Helen – Discover Tai Chi – “We met Maggie from DFK at a free taster at local GP practice and she immediately wanted to see if we would offer our tai chi sessions for people and their carers living with dementia.
We began our specially adapted classes at Holden Hall, Oakworth, in 2019. We had to be mindful that we would have a range of participants in the class, some needing to sit throughout the session, and those needing the support of a carer. We introduced movements that participants could easily follow and made sure everyone felt involved and received a warm welcome.
We had lots of laughter and smiles throughout the sessions. Helen and I found them a real joy to facilitate. It was important to continue where possible to support all those people who came to the group and enjoyed it.
We had to stop classes initially and then we tried classes on Zoom. We found that for some people Zoom has provided a weekly activity to maintain routine and structure to their week during COVID. Many people were not able to use Zoom or did not wish to use it to learn Tai Chi.
Lack of regular day to day activities such as shopping and visiting local places during COVID has meant there has been a drop in physical activity levels leading to a decline in aerobic fitness, muscle strength, balance and coordination. Participants notice that to return to daily tasks and hobbies or continuing their caring role they are more out of breath, feel more tired and more unsteady on their feet.
Continuing physical activity or restarting activities that improve fitness, strength and balance are now critically important. We know these can be improved at any age with the right exercise.
We ran some outdoor sessions over winter when most indoor activities had to stop. We hoped to provide a short walk around the local park with some mindful Tai Chi movements. Green spaces are well proven to improve wellbeing and we felt it was important to try this option to help DFK members get some exercise and relaxation during a very isolating winter. Sadly due to very cold weather, we were unable to get any interest in the outdoor session.
We have reopened in a more central venue which is better for links to public transport. We have to maintain a social distance during the sessions which means some of the partner activities we used to do are no longer allowed. However, we have still been able to build rapport with the group and provide an entertaining exercise session.
Working with DFK has given us direct access plus support via their fantastic volunteers to work with people with dementia and their carers; who are particularly at risk from deconditioning due to a lack of accessible exercise sessions.
We are enjoying providing sessions in the new venue, welcoming past participants and new participants to the sessions and sharing the benefits of these amazing exercises called Tai Chi and Qigong”
Magic Mavis Richardson will be taking up a swimming challenge during Dementia Awareness Week in May to raise money for Dementia Friendly Keighley. Octogenarian Mavis will swim one length for each year of her life and hopes to raise at least £1000.
