The Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative, OHAI, has received a $4,000 grant from Park Avenue Thrift to provide Tai Chi and Staying Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) classes in the Enid.
Park Avenue Thrift strengthens the Enid community and serves others by collecting donations and giving the proceeds to organizations that invest in Enid’s quality of life. Park Avenue has invested more than $3 million in grants over its fourteen year history.
The funds awarded by Park Avenue Thrift will provide evidenced based wellness programming to older adults and caregivers in the Enid area to help increase physical activity and decrease the risk for falls. Both Tai Chi and SAIL classes are designated by the National Council on Aging as Evidenced-based program. These evidenced-based program offer proven ways to promote health and prevent disease among older adults. Both Tai Chi and SAIL have been designed to improve balance, stability and mobility when practiced regularly.
The movements of Tai Chi help older adults reduce their risk of falling, while also increasing balance and flexibility. Individuals learn way to improve their overall mind, body and spirit through a series of slow, continuous movements. This program is developed to adjust for all fitness levels.
Staying Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) is a fitness program for older adults which can be done either seated or standing. Performing exercise that improves strength, balance and fitness is critical for staying active and reducing the risk of falls. The SAIL program was designed with these priniciples in mind. Each class includes a warm up. Stretching, cardio, balance and strengthening exercise, as well as a cool down.
If you would like more information on the OHAI’s Tai Chi or SAIL classes, please visit www.ohai.org.
For more information on Park Avenue Thrift, please visit www.parkavenuethrift.org
