Calm, purposeful, and healthy, these are some of the words to describe the art of Tai Chi. The Cypress Senior Center is the place to be for older adults who want to learn this ancient practice
“It’s good exercise and helps with balance and memory,” said Marilyn Fowler. “I’ve been coming for over a year. My neighbor Donna Newton and I come here from Long Beach.”
Calm, purposeful, and healthy, these are some of the words to describe the art of Tai Chi. The Cypress Senior Center is the place to be for older adults who want to learn this ancient practice
“It’s good exercise and helps with balance and memory,” said Marilyn Fowler. “I’ve been coming for over a year. My neighbor Donna Newton and I come here from Long Beach.”
“Tai Chi was recommended by my doctor,” shared Doris Beuck. “I tried other Tai Chi classes, but this instructor is patient. He teaches the short form which is 24 moves and the long form that is 88 moves. The long form can take 20 minutes to complete.”
“This is such a great group and a great leader,” commented Carolyn Dabbah who has been taking classes for more than 19 years. “It’s beneficial with slow movements, so it’s not harmful. The slow, easy moves help balance. Thank goodness Cypress lets us have this class.”
Jim Rice, a yoga and meditation instructor said, “I’m addicted to physical fitness. I had cancer five times and I’m really active. I think it makes a difference. Many of my family members died early, but, here I am at 78.” Rice spoke a little longer before wandering to one side of the room to do a handstand against the wall.
“I like Tai Chi, but I do all types of things. What I like about Tai Chi is that it requires constant concentration. We learn 24 movements, then 88 movements,” Rice continued. “You can’t lose concentration; you need constant mindfulness. You can’t let your mind wander.”
Rice had some interesting facts to share. “When men rest, they only use 33% of their brain. When women rest, they use 90%. It is harder for women to stop multitasking and relax their mind. Tai Chi is especially good for women.”
Volunteer instructor, Albert Healy, 81, has practiced the Chinese art of Tai Chi for 20 years, teaching the free senior program for 15 years. His classes typically hold close to 50 people and are sometimes closed to new students.
“I take care of beginners,” said Healy. His advanced students help lead the class when he steps away to assist a beginning student.
“Tai Chi helps with dementia and balance, so it’s perfect for seniors.” He shared that he often has students who take his class at the recommendation of their doctor.
“This is my second week,” said Herb Halling. “I spent three months in China this summer and I know the benefits of Tai Chi. It’s a matter of learning the different sections. Sometimes, I youtube it to get more practice.”
The class started with silent warm-up, creating a quiet and calm feeling with the participants. Then, the soft music is added and the class begins.
Jenni Worsham, recreation supervisor, welcomes seniors to the many fitness programs at the center.
In addition to traditional exercise programs, yoga, chair exercise, and much more, the center hosts specialized classes in the MELT Method to ease tension and make one’s body function better.
The center’s fitness room boasts treadmills and exercise bikes, which are free for seniors. For those desiring brain-health classes, there is a one-day program through North Orange County Community College District called Games 4 Brains! with games, socialization, trivia, brain-teasers, and information.
The Cypress Senior Center is located at 9031 Grindlay Street, is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
In addition to the fitness room, they have rooms for arts & crafts, card-play, library, computer lab, conference room, and billiards. Some rooms may be rented on weekends and other times for parties and events.
A Chinese New Year Bunco is planned for January 13 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. The event includes dinner.
A program called Let’s Do Lunch features live music, games, movies, and, of course, lunch.
The meal is served at noon on weekdays with a suggested donation of $3 for adults age 60 and over, or $5 for those under age 60. The lunch is available on a first-come basis.
All program information is listed in the center’s newsletter, Along the Way. Contact the Senior Center at 714.229.2005 with questions or stop by to learn about the many options.
