Port Douglas local changes lives of seniors with Tai Chi
SENIORS WRAP
It was the year 2009 when Frieda van Aller's back pain took over her life.
She could hardly walk and suffered from depression. After a spinal operation, she woke up pain-free and felt grateful for her recovery.
But while learning to walk properly again she got Meniere disease, a viral infection in the inner ear. “The world swirls around, you are dizzy, cannot walk anymore, get sick and end up deaf in one ear,” Mrs van Aller said.
“Over time the attacks became less frequent and I gathered myself together and decided to do something about it.
“Around 2010 the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre enabled several ladies to follow a course for Tai Chi for fall prevention.
“When we age, we become less stable; falls are the number one cause of death in people over 65. When I heard about that I knew that was what I needed.”
Every week for the next 10 years Mrs van Aller would go to the Community hall, together with many other people, to practise Tai Chi.
“I practised every day at home and gradually I got better at it. I regained my balance, and the anxiety caused by the dizzy attacks diminished. The depression vanished, I got more energy and my arthritis was easier to manage.
“When Leonie, the Tai Chi instructor, went on vacation, she asked me to lead the group. I loved it and even took an instructor course with Dr. Paul Lam.
“He's a doctor in both Western and Chinese medicine who researched the best Tai Chi movements for ageing and chronic diseases. With his help, I became an instructor in his method and learned effective teaching strategies.
“The daily practice of Tai Chi lowers blood pressure, stabilises blood sugar levels, and regulates pain. It also prevents or slows down the onset of dementia, it helps body and mind deal with stress and anxiety and it gives you more energy.
“Our group is a wonderful group, open and supportive, helpful, kind and compassionate. Anyone can join and find a place. It costs nothing, you need no equipment and everybody can learn it.”
Frieda van Aller teaches at PDNC on Tuesday afternoons and is also available for 1:1 by appointment.
MEANTIME IN OTHER SENIOR NEWS…
Harmony Day at Kubirri Aged Care Centre
Residents literally ‘dipped’ themselves into different cultures this week as they celebrated ‘Harmony Day’ - a day which embraces diversity and promotes cultural respect.
The activity was not only a wonderful way to acknowledge Harmony Day, but also provided the residents with a sensory experience as the seniors got to paint their hands orange onto a plate - reflecting the official colours of Harmony Day.
The plates were then put up as decorations around the dining area for all residents and staff to enjoy.
Resident Myra (pictured) noted that she likes to learn about other cultures and different family stories. Myra thoroughly enjoyed the day and said she enjoyed spending time with other residents and staff as being with other people makes her happy.
Thank you!
Newsport thanks its advertising partners for their support in the delivery of daily community news to the Douglas Shire. Public interest journalism is a fundamental part of every community.
Got a news tip? Let us know! Send your news tips or submit a letter to the editor here.
* Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport, its staff or affiliates. Reader comments on Newsport are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Visit our comment guidelines if your comment has not been approved for publication.