Falling is life, Getting up is living

Kim Kubsch

On September 22, 2018, we will celebrate National Falls Prevention Awareness Day. Such a day is important to recognize that falls are common amongst our elderly and we must take preventative methods to stop this from occurring. However, falls are inevitable in the elderly, and some can do some serious injury that requires emergency help. If you know someone elderly who’s fragile or a frequent faller, investing in medical devices like a fall detection device can be hugely successful in getting help quickly. However, something we really need to focus on is that realistically falling down is life, but getting back up is living! Tai Chi is the martial art that offers an opportunity to let go of stress and heal the body from the inside out. During our Sun Lakes classes, to help prevent falls, we focus on strengthening the lower body, on balancing with ease on one leg and coordination of our mind with our body.

We modify or personalize the movement for our comfort. It is not “one size fits all,” but all can participate and benefit from the slow, flowing movements of the body and breath. Participation can be either sitting or standing behind a chair or a combination of the two, all depending on what your body is asking for at that moment in time. Our tai chi classes involve an element of imagination, where the intuition guides your movement informs your connection to the breath.

Easy & Gentle Tai Chi is held at Sun Lakes Country Club, Mirror Room, 25601 N. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes, on Thursdays – Mixed Level 10:45-11:45 a.m. New attendees are welcome anytime! Open to the public! There is no class on September 6, October 4 and November 22. $5 per class – drop-in anytime. All ages and abilities can enjoy the practice, seated or standing. Parking is available on west side of country club for direct access into the Mirror Room.

Easy & Gentle Tai Chi is also held at Renaissance Luxury Retirement Living, Sun Lakes (residents only), on Tuesdays – Beginner 9:15-10:10 a.m., 9504 – Assisted Living Building and Tuesdays – Beginner 10:15-11:15 a.m., 9508 – Independent Building

Kim Kubsch is a Certified Practitioner of the American Tai Chi-Qigong Association and the National Qigong Association. She is also certified to teach PWR! Moves for Parkinson’s and Chair Chi. Each week she teaches easy and gentle Tai Chi-Qigong group classes to hundreds of mature adults at senior independent and assisted living communities, cancer support centers, churches and for hospice patients. Her DVDs include Hello Tai Chi, Goodbye Stress; Forever Young Tai Chi and Make Your Balance Great Again.