PONTIAC, Ill. – Older adults are more likely to fall, which can cause serious injury. Many studies have shown that Tai Chi is one of the most effective approaches for preventing falls. Medical authorities agree that suitable exercise for people with arthritis should incorporate components that can improve muscular strength, flexibility, and fitness. Illinois Extension is excited to offer a Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention program in Livingston County.
Join Family Life Educator Sara Attig and learn how Tai Chi for Arthritis can help people improve their muscular strength, flexibility, and fitness.
“Tai Chi is known for its gentle yet effective approach to improving many aspects of health, especially for older adults,” said Attig. “Through this Tai Chi program, we want to empower older adults to improve balance, relieve pain and stiffness, and increase confidence.”
Two options will be offered for this winter session: morning – 8:30-9:30 a.m. and evening – 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Livingston County Extension Office at 1412 S. Locust St. in Pontiac, on the following dates (note: two dates will be on a Monday):
Jan. 7 and 9
Jan. 14 and 16
Jan. 20 and 23 (note: Jan. 20 is a Monday)
Jan. 28 and 30
Feb. 4 and 6
Feb. 11 and 13
Feb. 17 and 20 (note: Feb. 17 is a Monday)
Feb. 24 and 27
Each session builds on what has already been learned, so registration includes the full duration of this eight-week program. Commitment to the full program is recommended due to the class format. Register online at go.illinois.edu/TaiChiLivingstonCounty or call the Livingston County Extension office at (815) 842-1776.
*Please consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program. Participants will be asked to sign a release before participating in any physical activities.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you have questions or need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact Sara Attig at sattig@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your needs.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.