Belong Chester Residents Take on the Art of Tai Chi

Belong Chester Residents Take on the Art of Tai Chi

Yin and yang, walking sticks, and Chinese swords have all been welcomed to Chester with flowing movements, deep breathing, and mental focus as the city’s older community residing at dementia specialist, Belong, get to grips with Tai Chi.

The Chinese martial art is being embraced by those aged 80 and upwards in their quest to try new things, with the moving meditation proving to be a big hit having been organised by the care village’s dedicated experience team, with Maria Yuen of Ji Siu Tai Chi Chuan leading the Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan classes.

As part of the fun, residents and tenants have been enjoying tuition in balance and gentle flowing movements, with both standing and sitting options available for less-mobile participants.

The older participants have also enjoyed the opportunity to try using traditional Tai Chi weapons, such swords, alongside learning Cantonese greetings, discovering Chinese culture, and watching special demonstrations tying in with occasions such as Chinese New Year, and Dementia Awareness Week.

“Yoga and meditation came top of the list of the ideas our customers wanted to explore, so we enlisted Maria’s expertise to make it happen,” explains Chloe Wynn, Belong Chester’s support manager. “Tai Chi also complements our programme of group and one-to-one exercise with our in-house exercise specialist, enhancing their physical strength, balance and coordination, thereby maintaining their independence and helping to prevent falls – it's a win-win.”

In addition, the benefits gained support cognitive function and overall wellbeing, with Tai Chi now a popular talking point throughout the City Road care village as customers welcome learning another skill as part of their vibrant programme of experiences and activities.

Chloe continues: “It’s been fabulous having Maria leading the workshops. Her passion captivates our customers, and they always look forward to what she has to share with us next.”

Maria Yuen, leader of Ji Siu Tai Chi Chuan, added: “It is always a pleasure to bring Tai Chi to the Belong community – it's such a welcoming and positive atmosphere in which to work. It is great for improving mobility and wellbeing, and the exercises are adapted specially to meet the differing ability of older people. I’m always impressed at how willing Belong’s residents are willing to try new things; we have a laugh and smile.”

Pictured: Chester - Pictured: Belong Chester resident, Maggie Darby, enjoys Tai Chi tuition under Maria Yuen of Ji Siu Chi Chuan