LIHU‘E — The state Department of Health is encouraging seniors to participate in tai chi classes as part of its fall prevention awareness campaign, which starts on Thursday.
“Fall-related injuries and fatalities among Hawai‘i seniors (ages 65 years and older) are reaching troubling numbers,” said the department in a statement. “Every year in Hawai‘i an average of 144 seniors die, 2,184 are hospitalized, and 9,677 are treated in emergency departments because of unintentional falls.”
Fall-related injuries also cost the state more than $241 million in hospital and physician charges, according to the statement.
In addition to public service announcements airing on five Hawai‘i TV stations (KGMB, KHNL, KHON, KITV and KIKU), the campaign is advising seniors to take tai chi for arthritis help and fall prevention assistance.
According to the state’s website, the neighborhood centers in Lihu‘e, Hanapepe, Kapa‘a, Kilauea and Koloa all offer the program, which is also endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Scott Silverston, who runs Kaua‘i Tai Chi in Kapa‘a, teaches students who want to master the martial art.
“I’m usually just teaching private clients who have a commitment to the studying of the art,” he said in an interview with The Garden Island on Tuesday.
Silverston, who said his clients range in age from 25 to 65, was not aware of the state’s campaign. But he stated tai chi offers numerous benefits to help seniors with balance and arthritis prevention.
“If you feel that you want to study movement for whatever purpose, whether that’s for arthritis or balance or just for fun, then tai chi is a great movement art because it’s very light,” Silverston said.
“You don’t get injured doing it. People can get injured doing yoga. The saying in tai chi is ‘you go to 70 percent of your capacity, and you also cultivate softness and relaxation.’ So that’s all very helpful stuff, especially as we age.”
The state Department of Health is also advising older adults to take the following preventative measures to reduce falls and injuries:
• Have your doctor or pharmacist review your medications yearly;
• Get an annual eye exam;
• If you live alone, get a personal electronic safety device, as they save lives every day;
• Make your home safer by improving lighting and removing fall hazards like electrical cords running across the floor or loose throw rugs;
• Exercise regularly to increase balance and flexibility. Walking is always great, but be sure to incorporate activities that challenge your balance and keep your bones strong (strength or resistance training).
According to Dr. Alvin Bronstein, chief of the state Department of Health Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention Systems Branch, a senior in Hawai‘i is transported to an emergency room because of a fall-related injury “almost every hour, 24 hours a day, (seven) days a week.”
“The Department of Health is glad to be continuing this valuable program to help ensure the safety and well-being of Hawai‘i seniors, the fastest growing segment of our population,” he said in a statement.
The campaign will run in collaboration with the Tai Chi for Health Institute, Times and KTA pharmacies, City Mill, Project Dana, Catholic Charities and Project Vision Hawai‘i.
For a list of certified tai chi classes, see health.hawaii.gov/injuryprevention/home/preventing-falls/tai-chi/.
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Emma Grunwald, reporter, can be reached 808-652-0638 or egrunwald@thegardenisland.com.
