Qigong & Tai Chi Made Easy for Seniors
Qigong is highly recommend as a key part of any wellness program. (Qigong is pronounced chee gung.) Qigong is very easy to do; it is separate stretching and bending exercises that can be adapted to any activity level and have been shown to significantly improve physical health. It includes deep breathing and inner focusing aspects that are not only powerful for physical health but have a profound impact on emotional health. Inner spirit growth is facilitated as well.
"Qigong for Seniors" Programs in a Box offers a simple qigong program that can be implemented at any site.
On-site Programs are offered for a variety of disability levels and ages.
Classes offered at a variety of Senior Apartments / Assisted living complexes, Nursing homes, Older Adult Day Programs and Alzheimer Programs. Many staff have said this is the most effective program they offer (e.g. compared to music therapy, dance therapy, art therapy, etc.) Qigong & Tai Chi Made Easy have the same mind-body benefits of yoga and tai chi chuan but are much easier to learn and do.
On-site Programs are offered for a variety of disability levels and ages.
- Classes are1 hour. Classes can be offered daily or weekly.
- A typical program runs 8-10 sessions (shorter intro programs are available)
- Interested staff can be trained so that they can continue to do the qigong exercises with clients. A typical staff development program runs 8-12 sessions two or three times a year and with consultation as needed for staff to continue the program in-between sessions. Videotapes and other supports are available.
Classes offered at a variety of Senior Apartments / Assisted living complexes, Nursing homes, Older Adult Day Programs and Alzheimer Programs. Many staff have said this is the most effective program they offer (e.g. compared to music therapy, dance therapy, art therapy, etc.) Qigong & Tai Chi Made Easy have the same mind-body benefits of yoga and tai chi chuan but are much easier to learn and do.
Program Description:
Clients learn Qigong stretching & breathing exercises.
Done sitting or standing. Modified for any activity level.
Exercises are performed as a group of up to 15 participants with demonstration, direction, mirroring movements, and some individual work for guiding and correcting movements.
Centering and grounding are emphasized to increase focus and relaxation.
Deep Abdominal Breathing exercises are taught to stimulate the ‘relaxation response” and improve performance.
Spontaneous qigong is taught which is excellent for release of emotions and tension, and well as developing inner self trust.
Guided meditations used progressing up to 10-15 minutes,
Strategies for use of exercises to calm anxiety or anger and “wake up” after lunch.
Outcomes have been substantial.
Done sitting or standing. Modified for any activity level.
Exercises are performed as a group of up to 15 participants with demonstration, direction, mirroring movements, and some individual work for guiding and correcting movements.
Centering and grounding are emphasized to increase focus and relaxation.
Deep Abdominal Breathing exercises are taught to stimulate the ‘relaxation response” and improve performance.
Spontaneous qigong is taught which is excellent for release of emotions and tension, and well as developing inner self trust.
Guided meditations used progressing up to 10-15 minutes,
Strategies for use of exercises to calm anxiety or anger and “wake up” after lunch.
Outcomes have been substantial.
- Reduced stress and increased energy.
- Improved arm & leg strength, and range of motion of constricted joints,
- General feelings of increased physical vitality.
- Improved balance and ability to ambulate (Decreasing falls in seniors is a highly researched benefit of qigong.)
- Weight loss with frequent or daily qigong practice
- Reduced muscle tension and emotional stress release
- Enhanced ability to calm self in stressful situations using qigong exercises
- Positive self image.
- Staff say the whole day goes much easier on "qigong day" because clients are calmer, more focused, and happier. (Qigong research has documented a mood lifting effect for sadness and depression, as well as anger reduction.)