Tai Chi with Paukukalo Kupuna

Offered through the Maui District Health Office and a local senior day program, Tai Chi was taught to seniors who were taking part in a 12-week Better Choices Better Health workshop. The Tai Chi exercises were introduced as a warm up activity before the class, which met 4 days per week. After the 12 week workshop ended, the participants requested that the Tai Chi be continued for all participants of the larger program. This has continued one morning a week for 10 months. The Tai Chi has been slowly introduced with a focus on balance and full engagement of arms and legs as opposed to precision or accuracy of movements. Small parts of the form are introduced at a time which makes it easier for the seniors to remember enough to practice on their own. Several of the participants are in chairs, so movements have been adapted, allowing them to fully participate.

The goal of the program is to provide seniors a form of movement that will enhance their confidence and balance in daily activities.

Tai Chi has been sufficiently researched with beneficial findings on balance, coordination, falls prevention and other health metrics improvements. The participants have stated that they feel more confident, have better balance, and enjoy the Tai Chi. The level of participation in the Tai Chi speaks for itself as all program participants, as well as the program coordinators, do the 15 minute activity. They are focused and intent while being relaxed as they participate, and they have stated that it is the perfect way to start their day. Since the entire form is slowly being presented in small segments, the seniors are gradually improving in stamina as they eventually learn the entire form. It is also a fun change from their usual routine.