ACC welcomes international Tai Chi master to weekend workshop in Wellington

ACC is welcoming the respected tai chi master, Dr Paul Lam, to Wellington for a two-day tai chi for health workshop focusing on using the ancient martial art for preventing and managing diabetes.

Dr Lam is in the city to hold a master class for a group of about 50 tai chi instructors from around New Zealand. The group includes instructors who teach ACC’s modified tai chi for preventing falls.

Tai chi involves a series of gentle movements performed in what appears to be slow motion. Dr Lam has modified forms of tai chi to be suitable for people suffering from for arthritis, osteoporosis, back pain, and diabetes among other ailments. Research has shown that practising tai chi can also greatly reduce an older person’s risk of falling.

Since 1998 ACC has funded classes of tai chi that have been modified to be suitable for older New Zealanders who are particularly vulnerable to injuring themselves in a slip, trip or fall. More than 25,000 people have gone through the course.

“Falls caused the single greatest number of ACC claims in New Zealand from July 2007 to June 2008,” said Ann Rose, ACC’s falls prevention programme manager. “Last year, more than 150 people aged 65 or older died as a result of a fall, and, in total, more than 70,000 in that age-group needed some medical treatment after a fall.

“Because tai chi’s gentle, fluid movements are good for maintaining the mobility and flexibility, it’s very effective in preventing falls. Tai chi is great at improving fitness, increasing strength, and improving balance and flexibility. It also gives older people more confidence and reduces their fear of falling.”

Tai chi is also known to be therapeutic for those with heart disease, respiratory and other chronic diseases, as well as having a positive effect on immunity, mental illness, depression, and stress.

“It’s just a fantastic all-round exercise. Because people can start doing it while sitting down it’s great for all fitness and strength levels, but many people find they can stand up and exercise quite soon. I’m delighted that Dr Lam is here again to teach his tai chi methods and am excited that our clients will soon be benefiting further from his expertise,” said Ms Rose.

To qualify for ACC course funding, participants must be aged 65 years and over (55 years and over if Maori or Pacific people), live in the community and have had a fall in the previous year, or be deemed at risk of falling by a registered health professional. This year, ACC will fund at least 6500 New Zealanders to attend the twice weekly, 20-week tai chi course.

“If people want to join an ACC tai chi class they should see their GP to check that they’re eligible. If so they can then be referred to a class near them,” Ms Rose said.