Orangeville home celebrates Chinese New Year
Week-long program works to enhance physical, cognitive and emotional well-being
Thursday February 18, 2010 -- Deron Hamel
Avalon Retirement Centre recently engaged residents at the Orangeville long-term care home in a variety of activities to celebrate Chinese New Year, the 15-day celebration marking the beginning of the Chinese lunar calendar.

During the week ending Feb. 6, staff members from the Jarlette Health Services-owned home’s activation department brought residents activities including tai chi, trivia and “armchair travel,” in an effort to enhance areas of personal health, explains activity director Sarah Murray.

“We had the physical aspects, we had the intellectual aspects, we had the social aspects, we had the emotional aspects and even the spiritual aspects,” she says, adding this is the first time the home has dedicated a week to celebrating Chinese New Year.

The home kicked off the week by inviting people from an area tai chi centre to visit the home for a demonstration.

Tai chi originated in China as a martial art form, but the practice has become increasingly popular for its health, exercise and relaxation benefits.

The practice involves flowing movements that are suitable for all age groups with purported benefits that include stress management, improved balance, flexibility, leg strength and strengthened respiratory and immune functions.

Murray adds that the demonstrators are people who have been affected by stroke and Parkinson’s disease, so many residents could see the benefit the practice brings to people.

“We’re hoping (tai chi will) bring out more residents,” says Murray.

“Some of the (tai chi) moves are ones our residents can do. They were showing the residents the moves and they would imitate them, so it was an interactive session.”

The home hosted other events throughout the week, including information sessions on Chinese traditions, Chinese horoscopes and a variety of other interactive sessions for residents. Residents were also brought in samples of Chinese cuisine.

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