A GROUP of Boisdale and district residents is finding more than just physical balance at weekly tai chi lessons – they’re also deepening friendships and fostering a sense of community that significantly benefits their mental wellbeing.

The biggest factor in this is not necessarily practising tai chi. What uplifts their mental health is what happens after the 45-minute lessons – morning tea and a catch-up.

Judy Traill, a long time Boisdale resident, is part of the Boisdale Public Hall and Recreation Reserve Committee, and has been a driving force behind the Boisdale Tai Chi group, which began about a decade ago. An additional 21 members – mostly women, some who’ve attended classes since its inception and newer members – speak highly of the regular exercise and social contact the group provides.

“It’s a gentle exercise, it’s not strenuous, you’re not asked to do anything that you can’t do. So, that gives you a sense of wellbeing,” Ms Traill told the Gippsland Times.

“But it’s the sitting down after – talking, sharing (about) mental health. They talk about their own personal issues, they talk about stuff happening in the community, (and) what’s coming up, so they’re totally connected. That happens every single week.

“So, you’ve got that lovely interaction and if you don’t know something, you know you can get on the phone, or text somebody and ask,” she continued.

“It’s a real friendship, and I think that’s the biggest thing, is getting a friendship that’s closest.”

Small communities like Boisdale depend upon local associations, committees, and groups to stay connected. Often, this revolves around planning events and activities that ensure people feel engaged with the local community and valued and supported.

One in three Australians over the age of 65 live in rural and remote areas, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, where geographic isolation can pose mental health challenges.

The prevalence of loneliness is increasing to the extent that experts consider it a global public health epidemic. This has reportedly been exacerbated since COVID-19.

Loneliness significantly impacts the health of older adults, and the dynamics of social networks in rural communities can play a big part in curbing it.

“Social connection is just vital, particularly as you get older, you can get isolated,” Ms Traill said.

“Especially some of these women that are on their own. It’s vital because if you’re not connected to your community it’s very difficult.”

Ms Traill said the gentleness of the exercise was “wonderful” for injuries. After breaking her foot, Ms Traill said she returned to tai chi three days later. Her physiotherapist told her it was the best decision she could have made.

“And I wasn’t being left out,” she added.

“It’s about getting out of the house (and) having a commitment.”

And members are committed. The group brings together people from towns like Maffra, Briagolong, and Boisdale.

“This has taken over the hall, Boisdale Hall is tai chi, and it’s getting known everywhere. If you want tai chi – you can’t get it in Maffra, (and) you can’t get it in Sale – you come to Boisdale,” Ms Traill said.

For 40 weeks out of the year, 22 members of the Boisdale Hall Tai Chi class meet at 10am on Wednesday mornings. Then at 11am, cookies, cakes, bread, a cheese platter, tea, and coffee are rolled out as the group gathers around a table, sharing updates since they saw each other the week prior.

Recently, the group compiled recipes in a cookbook titled Tai Chi and Morning Tea. It took one year to come to fruition and is a compilation of family recipes, some of which were photocopied and displayed inside the front and back covers in their handwritten glory. It’s also tangible evidence of the group’s camaraderie.

All recipes underwent rigorous taste testing at morning teas before they were accepted for print. Under the recipes, a tidbit about the recipe’s origin and the familial history behind it is written. There are simple recipes like Weetbix slice and even a recipe for the ‘Best Bickies’. Gail Noble, a group member, created illustrations of ingredients.

While not every group member is a culinary expert, those with exceptional kitchen skills who contributed to the book are guiding the less experienced bakers, who bring their versions of recipes to morning teas.

The cookbook is certainly an example of the best of small communities and the groups of people that live within them.

“We have had great support from the Maffra and District Community Bank who helped to fund the printing and then wonderful local businesses to sell the books,” Ms Traill said.

Books are available for $25 at Maffra businesses, including the Maffra Newsagents, Maffra and District Community Bank, The Book Shoppe, De’Lesa Nails and The Hair Vault in Sale.

The book has even generated interest in the wider community.

Though at capacity, Ms Traill said another weekday could be added to the program. Anyone interested in tai chi can phone Ms Traill on 0400 443 167.