Agency on Aging offers variety of events

GREG WILLIAMS Sentinel reporter gwilliams@lewistownsentinel.com

YEAGERTOWN — Beth Harlan believes seniors in the Juniata Valley are staying active.

Harlan, community services supervisor for the Mifflin-Juniata Regional Services Corp.-The Care Network, Yeagertown, can tell because every time she rolls out a new program, it fills right up.

The latest rage for senior citizens throughout the Juniata Valley is tai chi, which is being offered as a weekly class by the Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging at its centers in Lewistown and Milroy. Once the six-week classes have run their course, new ones will be scheduled, Harlan said.

“Studies show Tai chi improves symptoms of arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, improves flexibility and provides overall pain relief,” Harlan explained.

Watching someone do tai chi, an exercise often called

“meditation in motion,” it might be hard to imagine that its slow, gentle, choreographed movements could make them stronger.

Not only stronger mentally but stronger physically and healthier, too.

The current sessions are free to all residents of Mifflin and Juniata counties and taught by certified instructor Chris Toddes.

“Chris enjoys tai chi immensely and was ready to get to work for the community,” Harlan explained. “It has been some time since we have had a class in Mifflin County.”

That certainly hasn’t stunted its growth in popularity. Tai chi is practiced by about 20 percent of the world and is fast becoming the most popular exercise worldwide. Its rapid rise is largely due to one important fact: it feels good.

“People enjoy tai chi for several reasons, the class is free of charge to ages 60plus, improves their health and well-being and the overall enjoyment of getting out in the community and communicating with others,” Harlan said.

It is a form of martial art that originated in China centuries ago. It focuses on developing mental and spiritual strength.

Health experts say tai chi is good for seniors because it can increase both their lifespan, which is how long they live, and their “health span,” which is how long they can function independently. A study by the American Journal of Epidemiology found that tai chi can reduce mortality much like jogging.

For seniors, it can have significant benefits because it focuses on muscle control, stability, balance and flexibility. The movements are also very gentle. When practiced regularly, it can also help reduce pain, especially In the knees and back, and significantly reduce falls by up to 50 percent. Another published study revealed tai chi can also help to reduce the fear of falling, which is a risk for falling.

Tai chi can also help improve mood and quality of life for older people, who sometimes limit their activities for fear of falling.

The poses can be done sitting in a chair. But experts say it’s better to do them standing. For support, individuals can always hold onto a chair.

While practicing these simple movements several times a week can offer a host of significant health benefits, it’s good to check with a doctor before starting any new exercise routine.

There are other events on the horizon, including:

• 4-Seasons Senior Center will host the Senior XPO on Saturday, May 6.

• 37th Annual Senior Games Event from June 12-17, with opening day at Kishacoquillas Park.

The Agency on Aging offers many health and wellness programs, including walk with ease, healthy steps for older adults, healthy steps in motion and bingocize. For more information about upcoming programs, please find their page on Facebook.

For more information about upcoming programs, please call (717) 320-8367 or e-mail bharlan@mymjrsc. com.

Services Offered

Residents at Celebration Villa receive the right care services that will serve their overall wellness.

• Care staff on-site 24/7

• Personal assistance with activities of daily living

• Medical assistance

• Mobility assistance

• Continence maintenance

• Long-term and Short-term Respite Care

At Celebration Villa, you may choose to remain with your current doctor or see any of our physicians that include:

• On-site or telehealth doctors

• On-site rehabilitation therapy