Cranford Seniors Improve Health, Increase Energy with Tai Chi

The other day, I met someone who could be the poster child for senior health.  First off, it was hard to tell she was actually a senior, but I did take her word for it.

 Lifelong Cranford resident, Holly Phillips, takes care of her health assiduously, takes vitamins and calcium to keep her bones strong, and has an exceptionally positive attitude. In terms of her daily diet, she eats everything in moderation, mostly modest portions of fish and chicken. Because of her diligent efforts, she doesn't need to take any medications.  In short, she's doing everything right to live long, and to live well.

So what does a senior need to do to work toward this kind of optimal health?

Well, the first step may well be to take a cue - or even a class - from Phillips.  She's the tai chi instructor at the Cranford Center, and the exercise program has made a world of difference for her.

"Initially, when I first learned, my teacher was talking about feeling the 'chi' or energy, and I wasn't feeling it, but now I do.  Even now, just talking about it, I can feel the energy flowing.  If I'm in a hyper state, tai chi will mellow me out.  If I'm lethargic, it will give me a little more energy.  I feel it kind of balances me out," said Phillips.

Very few other activity programs offer the benefits that tai chi does, according to Phillips.  "For the seniors, it's so helpful, just in terms of getting out with other people and socializing, and it improves balance, which is very important as you get older."

When first starting out, Phillips suggests keeping an eye on what others in the class are doing.  "In tai chi, especially with beginners, it's helpful to have someone at different points in the room to follow, because you're turning constantly.  It's a moving meditation."

Cranford senior Bill Koellner has been attending tai chi classes for over ten years.  "In karate, you start with a white belt, and move up through different colors.  In tai chi, you always have a white belt," he explained.

For Koellner, what some refer to as "the zone" or the flow of "chi" is very real.  "If you focus your mind, you can reach a point where your hands feel as if (they) have opposing magnets.  Sounds like mumbo-jumbo until you feel it.  Many people believe that studying that energy could (provide) potential breakthroughs in medicine."

"For me, it's a tingly sensation and it feels fantastic," Phillips agreed.

If you're put off by the notion of memorizing intricate movements, Phillips says that it simply takes time and patience to learn Tai Chi.  "It's not that it's hard, but it does take time to learn, and we're in a society of 'learn it right away.'  You don't (get it) right away; you learn continually," said Phillips.

Tai Chi classes are offered at the Cranford Center free to residents over age 60, although Phillips is somewhat concerned that budget cuts may impinge upon the program.  "There is no charge for the seniors, and I'm hoping that (despite) budget issues, it continues that way."

Seniors with physical challenges may also benefit from this low-impact form of exercise.  "Even people with disabilities can participate.  They can sit in a chair and do whatever moves (they're capable of)," said Phillips.  "Younger people learning Tai Chi want to perfect the positions, but the older students may have some arthritic problems, so they do (the best) they can."

For the last several years, Cranford senior Madeline Spitz has participated in the class.  "It invigorates me," she said.  "I come here every week and I feel energized.  It's lowered my blood pressure and has given me a more positive outlook."

The Tai Chi class members have grown closer through the years, forming something of a club.  "This is a great group of people," said Phillips.  "It's like a little family."

The best advice Phillips would give to seniors trying to improve their health is to take that first step, however small it might be.  "You know your body best, so listen to it."