BruceP wrote:Testing can often be a lot more interesting and physically beneficial than just doing sections of form, or even a single form sequence. It can be done while standing, sitting and/or lying down.
With oldsters, it's best to begin by getting familiar with 'shapes' from the form and let them play at changing the shape. Working closer to the body than further away (forearms, elbows, shoulders, upper arms) is always easier than starting in the hands.
greytowhite wrote:Hey guys so I've finally entered the realm of Taiji instructor to senior citizens. As an elder Millennial I have a lot of experience with Silent Generation and Boomers as classmates but not so much as students. I plan to keep it to short forms as much as possible. I'm aware I can keep the class mostly to Qigong and then a little form at the end, to keep the feet flat instead of toe or heel up stances, and to make for higher, smaller stances when possible. A friend mentioned that a lot of his senior students have a very difficult time with 1 legged balance so it can take 3-6 months of them doing basic PT type exercises before they can attempt the form. Do you guys have any further advice for teaching people who are less able due to age?
Bob wrote:LOL Windwalker - half of mine would fall asleep in the middle of the session but I was aware of the medications they were taking.
Being present for them was my primary mindset and sometimes, in the hallway, they would shoot out a smile and do a parting the wild horses mane - made my day!
greytowhite wrote:Thank you everyone for the recommendations and information. I'm going back to school to be a PT assistant starting in the summer but I don't have any professional experience with it yet. What I do have is personal experience with rehabbing after a stroke, including recovery from single sided paralysis and many PT sessions under my belt as a patient. I'm more of a peer than they know. I helped Dug Corpolongo with the photography for his upcoming seniors Taiji book and spent about 6 months with one of his students so I have a pretty good idea of how I can approach it for those transitioning from basics. My Taiji uncle here locally has a bit more formal of a class with musical accompaniment and most of his seniors have decades of Taiji training. I think I'm going to start with Xingyi Bagua Neigong for health and the Guang Ping Yang 32 Form from Henry Look.
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