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Why not put a little tai chi in your life?

The exercise regime is a great way to stay young, says columnist Viki Mather
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The Taoist Tai Chi Society Sudbury holds an open house Sept. 10. Photo supplied

I was barely a teenager when the Beatles were singing “When I’m Sixty-Four.” I have loved that song for half a century. Sure, 64 seemed to be quite old back then, yet the joy of the melody and dreams of a happy elder life always made it seem not too bad to be old.

My grandparents were about 64 at the time, and as a 14-year-old, they did seem to be ancient. They were both active though, living on a little farm and growing most of their own food. They both lived another 20 years.

Now I am 64 and loving it. Despite the broken ankle a year ago, I still do everything I did when I was 46: hiking, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and winter camping, skiing, snowshoeing, skating. And I have every expectation to still be doing these things when I’m in my 80s. With a little luck, I’ll even be paddling around the wilderness at 90.

A little luck, and a lot of activity.

Thirty years ago, we were visiting a neighbour who lived 10 km away. She was in her 80s. She was splitting wood when we arrived, and refused to let us help her carry it into the cabin. The woodpile kept her active and independent.

Probably the most important thing I do to ensure I’ll be active and independent in my 80s is tai chi. For six years now, I have been learning and practicing this ancient art. Especially in the past year, tai chi has helped me to recover from the ankle surgery. Stretching, movement, balance … all of these are important. Mindful movement brings relaxation and stress reduction. And the tai chi community feels like family after just a few classes. 

I took my first classes with the Taoist Tai Chi® Society in September six years ago because I could go to as many classes as I could fit into the week for one fee. As it is an international organization, I could go to classes everywhere! We were away the week after my first class, and I was able to step in to a class in Richmond Hill. 

As we age, it seems lots of people I meet are ready to slow down, to reduce their activities, to give up the pursuits they loved because they are not as limber, or they have lost their sense of balance, or an injury has set them back.  A most wonderful part of tai chi is being able to recover these things!

A side bonus is that doing tai chi has made me taller — really! I am a quarter-inch taller than I have ever been in my life. This is at an age that most people are getting shorter. (This is not to say there is anything wrong with being short. Even at 5-4, my feet still reach the ground.)

New classes start the second week of September. Find out more on the group's Facebook page, or by calling 705-688-0111. 

You can try out tai chi at the Taoist Tai Chi Sudbury's open house on Sept. 10 (yes, tomorrow) at 428 Westmount Ave., off Barrydowne Road.

Viki Mather has been commenting for Northern Life on the natural world and life in Greater Sudbury since the spring of 1984. Got a question or idea for Viki? Send an email to [email protected].


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