Grace in Motion: Cedarhurst Residents Find Balance with Tai Chi

At Cedarhurst of Canton, wellness isn’t just a goal - it’s a way of life. And for a group of residents who recently completed a 16-week Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention course, it’s become a powerful practice of balance, movement, and newfound confidence.

It all started with a simple act of kindness.

“Randy Hallman first walked through our doors last December,” said Samantha Seitz, Life Enrichment Director at Cedarhurst of Canton. “He was dropping off Christmas gifts for our ‘Adopt a Senior’ program when he casually mentioned that he teaches Tai Chi through the Atlanta Regional Commission. The moment he spoke about it, a lightbulb went off.”

Seitz immediately began researching Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, one of several wellness programs sponsored by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). After learning about its wide-ranging benefits, especially for older adults, she applied to bring the program to Cedarhurst. Her hope? To introduce residents to something new and “out of the box” that would both challenge and empower them.

“When I got the call that we were approved for the full 16-week course, I was thrilled,” she recalled. “We had to prove we had adequate space and that the residents would commit to every session. But I knew they’d rise to the occasion.”

They did more than that - they flourished.

Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese exercise combining slow, deliberate movements, breathing, and meditation, is known for its benefits in balance, flexibility, and mental clarity. For seniors, it can be especially powerful in reducing the risk of falls while promoting physical confidence and awareness.

“Tai Chi helps the body’s proprioception - its ability to sense movement and position,” said Seitz. “It encourages participants to know where their limbs are, how they’re moving, and how much force they’re using. That awareness can be transformative.”

It certainly was for Buddy Samples, one of the course participants.

“When we first started, Buddy always held tightly to his rollator,” Seitz recalled. “But by the tenth session, I watched him stand without holding on to anything. He was doing the movements on his own, and you could see the pride on his face when he realized it. That moment alone made it all worth it.”

Residents like Shirley Little and Lynn Dennis approached the class with open minds. “I decided to participate because I had heard of the benefits you receive by doing it,” said Shirley. Over the weeks, she found not only health benefits but new friendships as well. “Some of us really connected. I believe everyone enjoyed being part of the class.”

For Lynn, the effects were both physical and emotional. “I feel stronger, and I can walk better,” she said. “Even with my asthma, I kept trying. My shoulders and neck don’t hurt as much, and I know I have better balance now.”

Beverly Coleman, a former dancer, found herself transported by the graceful movements of Tai Chi. “It brought back so many memories of my dance classes,” she shared. “I love how slow and flowing it is. Plus, I can sit or stand as needed.” Her favorite part? “Just feeling better - emotionally and physically.”

The classes also created a deeper sense of community. Residents encouraged one another, cheered each other on during challenging movements, and celebrated each small victory together. “It’s been so rewarding to watch them support each other,” said Seitz. “It’s a reflection of the trust we’ve built here. They know I’ll try everything with them. We learn together.”

Beyond the physical benefits - like improved posture, increased mobility, and reduced pain - Seitz noticed a shift in residents’ overall well-being. “There’s more energy, more engagement. Residents are showing up to other classes more often. One resident told me if she misses Tai Chi, she doesn’t ‘feel good in her skin.’ That’s powerful.”

Tai Chi’s alignment with Cedarhurst’s Living TRUE mission, creating a home where residents feel loved, valued, and supported, was clear from the first session. “Through breathing techniques and gentle movement, our residents are not just exercising,” Seitz explained. “They’re connecting their mind, body, and spirit. They’re discovering they can still learn, still grow, and still thrive.”

The success of the Tai Chi program at Cedarhurst of Canton is a reminder that wellness comes in many forms - and sometimes, the most graceful changes come from the slowest movements.

As Beverly Coleman puts it: 

“I am very happy at Cedarhurst. Everyone is like family, and I enjoy my friends and trying new things like Tai Chi. Whatever we do next, I’m in.”

At Cedarhurst, that’s what living well, and living TRUE, is all about.

This article originally appeared in the Summer 2025 issue of Flourish^®  Magazine.

About the Author

Ryan Davis is the Corporate Communications Manager at Cedarhurst Senior Living and the writer behind every story in Flourish^® magazine. He holds a Communications degree from Indiana University and brings 19 years of experience to his role, which he began in January 2024. Ryan is passionate about storytelling, especially sharing the meaningful lives of Cedarhurst residents, families, and staff. He hopes each published story becomes a treasured legacy for loved ones.