Teaching the Older Population

In our classes at Arizona State University, Sun City, AZ this new year, we have both Beginning, and Intermediate & Advanced TCC classes. In both these classes, as well as large practice groups at the area recreation centers, etc. we are more and more aware of the interest and value of TCC to our over 55 year-old populations.

Unfortunately, some other T’ai Chi version teachers have suddenly seen the marketability of this area and are teaching classes inappropriate to this age population. We are getting reports of injuries, especially to knees, and hips, and backs. This is sad, not only because of the pain involved, but because many people as a result of these other classes, mistakenly “lump” all T’ai Chi classes as dangerous.

As a retired RN, and being an “older adult” myself, I’m very aware of the bodies’ beauty and possibilities. Even in T’ai Chi Chih we quickly and carefully watch for possible problems or inappropriate ways of moving their bodies so we can anticipate mistakes in movements that might cause physical problems. We take time at the beginning of classes to find out if students have special needs. We make no medical promises, but are sensitive to each-one’s specialness. We even teach to many folks in wheel chairs or who must sit for part of the classes. Many “limited folks” are standing at the end of the beginning series. Our youngest student last year was 9 years old, our oldest 96 years.

We have always included special attention and practice to breathing techniques. We frequently use music with our classes. We do request all Beginning students, or couples, buy the blue Justin Stone’s basic textbook for TCC. We offer Justin’s video and audio tapes, also. We hold quarterly TCC Club meetings with appropriate speakers. Our bi-yearly Retreats or trips are both enriching and fun.