You At Your Best

SPONSOr CONTENT Let's talk: Senior living options in NWA Senior Smart Talk presents: By KArEN rICE yOu AT yOur BEST It's sometimes called 'meditation in motion' because it involves the mind as well as the body. Short for Tai chi chuan, tai chi (TIE-CHEE) has its roots in ancient Chinese martial arts. Its slow movements are graceful— despite names like "strike opponents ears" and "single whip." More common are moves like "cloud hands," and "part the horse's mane." Tai chi doesn't have the strenuous physical demands of other workouts. It involves sets of flowing moves, or forms, coordinated with deep breathing. Each posture flows into the next, so that your body is in constant motion. The physical payoffs include stress reduction, improved balance, coordination, flexibility, muscle strengthening and even some aerobic benefit. Licensed acupuncturist and tai chi instructor Erik Hardin, of Ozark Integrative Medicine in Bentonville, calls the practice "the best out of every sport." "It's different than any western exercise, even yoga. It is really a full body exercise, along with the mental component," he notes. "It strengthens your physical body, conditions tendons and ligaments, massages internal organs…the benefits go on and on." He also believes it's the ideal exercise for improving balance, especially important for older adults. Tai chi may also be the perfect exercise after a sedentary quarantine lifestyle. "It's extremely low impact," Erik says. "Regardless of age, health, strength or intelligence, any person can begin, with no special equipment. It's accessible for every person." Eric has been practicing tai chi for 20 years, and was first introduced to the sport by his mom, who was a 5th degree black belt in karate. She switched to tai chi when she began having knee trouble. Tai chi is technically a martial art, and can be practiced gently or with more speed and power, depending on a person's focus. Erik even incorporates tai chi in his acupuncture treatments, sharing it with patients to address specific complaints. He explains that the wave-like movements that tense and relax different parts of your body move the blood and fluid in a particularly efficient and unique way. Erik also teaches tai chi—at the VA hospital in Fayetteville, the recreation center in Bella Vista, Blake Street House in Bentonville and private lessons. Currently, while social distancing guidelines are in place, he's teaching one- on-one lessons in the park. Taking a class is the ideal way to start, but many instructional videos can be found online and on YouTube. "Tai chi players are very welcoming and nice and are happy to let you sit in or observe a class. Go to as many classes as you can to find the teacher or setting that resonates with you," Erik suggests. With tai chi, the learning is part of the practice. "It won't happen overnight. Sometimes there is frustration with not getting the form down," Erik points out. "It took me a long time to figure out that the training itself is the goal. As long as you're training, you are getting the benefit." The gentle exercise that could be your next fitness fix Making choices about retirement living would be much easier if you could predict the future and learn exactly how your housing and care needs will change as you age. However, because there is no way of knowing, the next best thing is preparing as well as possible. But trying to understand all the different retirement community options can be very challenging. What services do I need? What happens if my situation changes? Can anybody out there explain the differences in simple terms? Those are some questions that Certified Senior Housing Professional, Alison Van Hecke, hears often. "From communities that offer resort-style living to those providing a continuum of care, the face of senior living is complex," Alison points out. That's why Alison is presenting "Let's Talk: Senior Living Options in NWA" on July 9, 2020 as part of her monthly Senior Smart Talk Seminar Series. Alison is a leading authority on issues related to downsizing, late-life moves and (55+) senior living solutions, having helped many families and individuals in Northwest Arkansas with these transitions. The seminar's panel of experts will answer questions, break down costs, and help people decide align solutions with retirement goals. "What scares us most is the unknown, but when people understand their options, they feel empowered." The seminar runs from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Embassy Suites in Rogers. There is no cost to attend for those age 55 or older. Registration for professionals is $25. Seating is limited, and pre-registration is required at www.senior-smart-talk.com or by calling 479-717-7710. Follow us on Facebook for more information. Upcoming Senior Smart Talk seminars include "Let's Talk: Staying Independent as you Age" on August 13, 2020. Sponsors of the series include: Lighthouse Group NWA - Keller Williams Market Pro Realty; Circle of Life; Grandbrook Memory Care; Home Instead Senior Care; RMP Law; Todd Whatley, PA; Senior Services NWA; Springwoods; Handle With Care Move Management, The Meadows in Bentonville, Village on the Park, and Good Shepherd Home Care. Tai Chi SuNdAy, JuNE 28, 2020 | July - FIT X: EXErCISE & FITNESS NWAdG.COm/yOuATyOurBEST | yOu AT yOur BEST | 5 Ad Number: 062820e9701 L O C A T I O N & T I M E : Call 479-717-7710 to register for webinar. Or register online at www.senior-smart-talk.com Thursday, July 9, 2020 10-11:30 AM JOIN US FOR A SERIES OF CANDID CONVERSATIONS WITH LOCAL EXPERTS FOCUSED ON THE UNIQUE AND COMPLEX ISSUES FACING NWA'S SENIORS. FREE Webinar! July 9 th WEBinar: Senior Living Options in NWA Retirement communities are popping up all around the NWA area. What exactly are the differences? What do they offer? Where do I even begin? Learn the TRUTH about the many types of retirement communities available and the questions you should be asking when considering your options. is is the perfect place to educate yourself so you can make the right decisions for you or your family. FutuRE FREE EvEnts: August 13th: Staying Put - Remaining Independent as You Age September 10th: Hospice, Palliative Care, and the Logistics of Dying October 8th: Medicaid and Medicare

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