Tufts Health Plan Foundation Awards Grant to Brookline Tai Chi

The Tufts Health Plan Foundation announced today more than $1.6 million in new funding to 34 Massachusetts and Rhode Island-based organizations as part of its first cycle of funding for 2013. 

Included in the Cycle 1 2013 grants is Brookline-based Water Ways for Health and Energy Inc. (Brookline Tai Chi), which received $50,967 for its Tai Chi for Healthy Aging Program. Tai Chi for Healthy Aging consists of simplified Tai Chi exercises that focus on fall prevention by improving balance and facilitating greater relaxation through better breathing. Classes take place in a comfortable and caring social environment utilizing gentle partner exercises. With this grant, Brookline Tai Chi will continue to offer classes to 100 older adults in the Boston area as well as train 45 local service providers in communities throughout Massachusetts to deliver the program. 

The Tufts Health Plan Foundation awarded the largest number of grants this cycle in its Health & Wellness program area, primarily for initiatives that promote chronic disease self-management and prevention, exercise and nutrition, and fall prevention. The foundation also awarded more than 25 percent of its grants in the area of Purposeful Engagement, which includes community involvement, volunteerism and intergenerational programs as well as caregiver support programs. In addition, two state-wide Empowerment programs in Massachusetts received funding for campaigns targeted at educating older adults about taking control of their health. 

“Health and wellness programs are critical to healthy aging, but so are programs that change people’s lives through social and purposeful engagement,” said David Abelman, president of the Tufts Health Plan Foundation. “We’re proud to partner with a diverse group of nonprofit organizations that recognize how important health education, social connections, physical activity and community service are to improving the overall health and well-being of a growing population of older adults.”  

For a full list of Cycle 1 2013 grant recipients, please visit: http://www.tuftshealthplanfoundation.org/pdf/2013_Grants.pdf 

About the Tufts Health Plan Foundation

Tufts Health Plan launched the Tufts Health Plan Foundation in 2008 with the mission to promote healthy lifestyles and the delivery of quality care in our communities. With a focus on healthy aging, the foundation has given approximately $10 million to Massachusetts and Rhode Island nonprofits that elevate the physical, mental and emotional well-being of older adults and their caregivers. Through grants in three areas – health & wellness, purposeful engagement and empowerment – the foundation seeks to fund programs that will help adults age 60 or older improve and maintain their health, manage their chronic diseases, prevent falls, engage in their communities, find encore careers and volunteer opportunities, and access programs and services. Visit www.tuftshealthplanfoundation.org or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.