Along with aging comes reduced mobility, joint pain and fear of falling.
Many people think of those things as just natural discomforts that have to be dealt with, but for the citizens of Milford, there is a different option.
In 2015, Kathy Ruzicka started teaching a maintenance Tai Chi at the Milford Senior Center.
“(It helps to) improve their posture, their balance and some fall prevention for that,” Ruzicka said. “It entails deep breathing, slow, careful movements.”
The class is able to be adapted to mobility challenges and does not include working down on the floor.
While Ruzicka has taught other places, including a few classes at the Seward Memorial Library, she has taught Tai Chi at the senior center the whole time she has been teaching.
“Nobody has to sign up,” she said. “It's just very informal and who can make it that day comes. I can have anywhere between two to seven people.”
Both Ruzicka and her students notice that doing Tai Chi has created a difference in their lives.
“Aging makes you look at things differently and make different decisions, like preventative kinds of things,” Prudence Coccodrill, a nine-year student, said. “Looking ahead to ‘Oops I’m not moving that well now, how’s it going to be five years from now? Let’s see if I can do something now to help with what’s coming.’”
The physical part is not the only thing that Tai Chi helps participants with.
“They’ve gained more self confidence about falling,” Ruzicka said. “They feel more in control.”
Classes are Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. and last 30 to 45 minutes. The classes are open to people of all ages and there is no cost to join. For more information about the classes, contact milfordneseniorcenter@gmail.com or call (402) 761-3367.
