Back to School Anyone for afternoon Tai Chi?
Community Care
of tai chi and provides tips and advice on how to get started.
A recent headline in The Times titled “Don’t wait until you’re doddery to get fit’ by Jenni Russell caught my eye. The article reviews a report by Nice, which tells us that the cost of falls to the NHS is £3.3 billion a year. It also sets out the plans in place to help prevent the impact of falls, not only the financial impact on the NHS but the detrimental physical and mental impact on older people. This is because a third of over 65’s will fall every year and a quarter of a million will end up in hospital. The health watchdog wants to introduce assessments for all adults over 65 every time they see a nurse or GP, to check their risk of falls. Those most at risk could be sent for 50 hours of intensive strength and balance training.
It’s been documented that strength and balance training can help to build up muscle and improve balance. In turn these can make a person steadier on their feet and less likely to fall. They can be particularly helpful for older people who have already had one or more falls or who have problems with balance or walking.
All of this makes sense but as Jenni’s article goes on to say, given that the number of over-65’s is going to rise by 40 per cent in the next 17 years, and that the NHS is struggling to cope financially shouldn’t we be promoting exercise when we’re younger to benefit our later lives and to help relieve the burden on the NHS? The assessments are sensible and will help, but more needs to be done to educate people earlier.
This situation is not unique to Britain, the US and other European countries report the same trend in older people. However there are exceptions, in China the ancient practices of tai chi and yoga are widely practised across the generations and is part of the daily routine for many older people who credit this form of exercise with their good health. It is believed that a class of an hour a week can make a difference, ten minutes every other day keeps the spine and joints supple. Indeed the NHS website states the health benefits
10 | SKWilmslow - March/April 2017
Scientists, the NHS, our health watchdog and individuals are all promoting the health benefits of this type of exercise so why aren’t we paying more attention? Jenni ends her piece by saying “we need a change of culture”, and suggests “there should be tax breaks for businesses who provide tai chi classes in the office” and why not integrate classes into the school curriculum to target early education? The information is out there let’s put it into practice!
Karen Perry, Founder Alice Chilton In- Home Care Services Limited
www.alicechilton.com
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