RETIRED theatre sister Elizabeth Cowen is calling on people, old and young, to move for strength.
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Ms Cowen said a long-held Tai Chi discipline had helped her physical recovery in a series of serious injuries in her life – including a sensory stroke just before Christmas.
She felt her leg strength, built up by the practice, improved her rehabilitation from the numbness down her right side and ‘pins and needles’ feeling in her foot after stroke. This was in conjunction with physiotherapy.
The 74-year-old wears a back brace from a previous spinal injury, and had an operation that left her leg out of alignment, but said she kept moving.
“You can exercise with a straight back and focus on strengthening the legs, which gives you balance. Other seniors could take a lesson and steady themselves holding on to a chair if they need,” Ms Cowen said.
“If you want to live an active life, you need strong legs.”
Ballarat Health Services exercise physiologist Luke Evans said regular exercise was really important for general physical and mental well-being among seniors.
Mr Evans is part of BHS’ exercise therapy department, which predominantly works with an older demographic with various conditions at the Queen Elizabeth Centre.
“Regular exercise can really help with increasing muscle strength, maintaining function,” Mr Evans said.
“Weight-bearing exercise can reduce the risk of osteoporosis, help with heart health and maintain joint mobility.”
Mr Evans said exercise could be really effective in managing chronic conditions and diseases but it was always important to first talk to your general practitioner for an appropriate referral.
Ballarat Community Health runs a series of Tai Chi classes, including a class for people with arthritis. BCH Tai Chi instructor Penelope Wai said the discipline was good for balance because you were moving in a conscious way and the deliberate, well-concentrated steps worked leg muscles.
“We encourage seniors to keep moving and keep the blood flowing through their body and joints to keep mobile. Tai Chi is a gentle way of doing this,” Ms Wai said.
Ms Cowen used to practise Wu Shu Tai Chi, commonly known as Kung Fu, when living in Melbourne. Her former instructor Master Han Jin Song will host a Tai Chi demonstration at Ballarat Wildlife Park on February 12.
