Instructor Highlight: Craig Miller
Active Aging Week showcases the many ways older adults can support their well-being through movement, lifelong learning, social connection and community engagement. To celebrate this important observance, we spoke with St. Louis Oasis Tai Chi and Standing/Seated Blended Class instructor Craig Miller about his experiences with Oasis participants, what he’s learned about healthy aging, and the lessons he’s gained from helping older adults stay active, engaged, and connected.
Q: What does “active aging” look like in your classes?
A: “Tai Chi For Balance and Fall Prevention has been designed to be a prime activity of for “active aging”. A key element of Tai Chi is how it allows you to use the whole body mind system. You practice movements that encourage integration of left/right, forward/back, crossing mid-line, etc. This does not necessarily happen with traditional exercises. Almost everyone can do Tai Chi; starting with a seated class, then moving to a blended format, then advancing to a standing class. You can even take an advanced class once you have achieved the required proficiency.”
Q: What have you learned about healthy aging through your interactions with Oasis participants and what do you believe are the most important things someone should know when looking to increase their activity level? ?
A: “It takes dedication. It isn’t about taking one session and thinking you are “done”. Exercises need to be consistent and enjoyable. Start at your comfort level. Do not try to reach beyond what you are capable of comfortably doing as you begin a routine. Reaching too far will frustrate you and not allow you to advance.”
Q: What misconceptions or stereotypes about aging do you see your participants challenge?
A: “There is a misconception that muscle strength and balance diminish with age. It is harder to maintain but doesn’t have to disappear. As with mental acuity, focused and consistent exercise will help us maintain both our physical and mental health.”
Q: Why do you think continuing to try new things and set new goals is important as we get older?
A: “You need to have a road map, so you can get where you are going. That doesn’t mean you cannot alter your course or take a side trip for fun. Without a destination we are just a rudderless ship, drifting about, pushed around by outside forces. Make a plan, work on that plan, stay focused as life happens around you, alter that plan as needed.”
Instructor Highlight: Craig Miller
Active Aging Week showcases the many ways older adults can support their well-being through movement, lifelong learning, social connection and community engagement. To celebrate this important observance, we spoke with St. Louis Oasis Tai Chi and Standing/Seated Blended Class instructor Craig Miller about his experiences with Oasis participants, what he’s learned about healthy aging, and the lessons he’s gained from helping older adults stay active, engaged, and connected.
Q: What does “active aging” look like in your classes?
A: “Tai Chi For Balance and Fall Prevention has been designed to be a prime activity of for “active aging”. A key element of Tai Chi is how it allows you to use the whole body mind system. You practice movements that encourage integration of left/right, forward/back, crossing mid-line, etc. This does not necessarily happen with traditional exercises. Almost everyone can do Tai Chi; starting with a seated class, then moving to a blended format, then advancing to a standing class. You can even take an advanced class once you have achieved the required proficiency.”
Q: What have you learned about healthy aging through your interactions with Oasis participants and what do you believe are the most important things someone should know when looking to increase their activity level? ?
A: “It takes dedication. It isn’t about taking one session and thinking you are “done”. Exercises need to be consistent and enjoyable. Start at your comfort level. Do not try to reach beyond what you are capable of comfortably doing as you begin a routine. Reaching too far will frustrate you and not allow you to advance.”
Q: What misconceptions or stereotypes about aging do you see your participants challenge?
A: “There is a misconception that muscle strength and balance diminish with age. It is harder to maintain but doesn’t have to disappear. As with mental acuity, focused and consistent exercise will help us maintain both our physical and mental health.”
Q: Why do you think continuing to try new things and set new goals is important as we get older?
A: “You need to have a road map, so you can get where you are going. That doesn’t mean you cannot alter your course or take a side trip for fun. Without a destination we are just a rudderless ship, drifting about, pushed around by outside forces. Make a plan, work on that plan, stay focused as life happens around you, alter that plan as needed.”
Instructor Highlight: Craig Miller
Active Aging Week showcases the many ways older adults can support their well-being through movement, lifelong learning, social connection and community engagement. To celebrate this important observance, we spoke with St. Louis Oasis Tai Chi and Standing/Seated Blended Class instructor Craig Miller about his experiences with Oasis participants, what he’s learned about healthy aging, and the lessons he’s gained from helping older adults stay active, engaged, and connected.
Q: What does “active aging” look like in your classes?
A: “Tai Chi For Balance and Fall Prevention has been designed to be a prime activity of for “active aging”. A key element of Tai Chi is how it allows you to use the whole body mind system. You practice movements that encourage integration of left/right, forward/back, crossing mid-line, etc. This does not necessarily happen with traditional exercises. Almost everyone can do Tai Chi; starting with a seated class, then moving to a blended format, then advancing to a standing class. You can even take an advanced class once you have achieved the required proficiency.”
Q: What have you learned about healthy aging through your interactions with Oasis participants and what do you believe are the most important things someone should know when looking to increase their activity level? ?
A: “It takes dedication. It isn’t about taking one session and thinking you are “done”. Exercises need to be consistent and enjoyable. Start at your comfort level. Do not try to reach beyond what you are capable of comfortably doing as you begin a routine. Reaching too far will frustrate you and not allow you to advance.”
Q: What misconceptions or stereotypes about aging do you see your participants challenge?
A: “There is a misconception that muscle strength and balance diminish with age. It is harder to maintain but doesn’t have to disappear. As with mental acuity, focused and consistent exercise will help us maintain both our physical and mental health.”
Q: Why do you think continuing to try new things and set new goals is important as we get older?
A: “You need to have a road map, so you can get where you are going. That doesn’t mean you cannot alter your course or take a side trip for fun. Without a destination we are just a rudderless ship, drifting about, pushed around by outside forces. Make a plan, work on that plan, stay focused as life happens around you, alter that plan as needed.”
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