The benefits of Tai Chi for seniors are incredible. If you are looking for a low-impact, relaxing form of exercise that only requires about 20 minutes a day and rewards your efforts, Tai Chi is for you. Tai Chi is an internal Chinese martial art in the sense that it focuses on mental and spiritual aspects integrated into movement. You may have seen groups of people demonstrating its slow-moving circular forms in public parks if you have been to China or in Sports Facilities in the UK.
Many seniors and senior care facilities have been enjoying this style of workout and conditioning for more than 20 years. Here are 12 benefits of Tai Chi for seniors:
Relieves physical affects of stress.
Promotes deep breathing.
Reduces bone loss in menopausal women.
Improves lower body and leg strength.
Helps with arthritis pain.
Reduces blood pressure.
Requires mind and body integration through mental imagery.
Accumulates energy by releasing endorphins rather than depleting it.
Enhances mental capacity and concentration.
Improves balance and stability by strengthening ankles and knees.
Promotes faster recovery from strokes and heart attacks.
Improves conditions of Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson’s.
Many senior care facilities and community centers are offering Tai Chi classes not only because of the extensive health benefits but also because it does not require any equipment or furniture. Many seniors find it an easy activity and a peaceful environment in which to meet other seniors with common interests. THS offer a seated or wheelchair form of Tai Chi that suits the elderly, infirmed or people with lower limb disorders
Trial participants who attended three hour-long Tai Chi classes per week after recovering from a stroke suffered three times fewer falls than those on other rehabilitation programmes. Stroke survivors are particularly at risk from falls, with evidence suggesting they suffer up to seven times as many falls per year than healthy adults. Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, could help prevent falls by improving people's balance, muscle strength and endurance as well as providing psychological benefits, researchers said. The Tai Chi classes, which involved physical movements along with breathing exercises and mental concentration, were shown to be more effective than two alternative programmes. Dr Ruth Taylor-Piliae of the University of Arizona College of Nursing, who led the study said: "Learning how to find and maintain your balance after a stroke is a challenge. Tai Chi is effective in improving both static and dynamic balance, which is important to prevent falls."
