Tai Chi Offers Multiple Benefits to Older Adults

There's an exercise that's been practiced for thousands of years in China that is making a big splash with older adults and health care practitioners of older adults. That exercise is Tai Chi, or Tai Chi Chuan.

One doesn't have to look hard to read about the many beneficial effects of Tai Chi for all age groups, but particularly for older adults. Despite the fact the exercises have been practiced in China for so long, it has only been recently that traditional medicine has taken notice. Tai Chi has been the subject of much research since the 1990's.

The Mayo Clinic has an article devoted to Tai Chi at it website. It lists these benefits of the exercises, among others: stress reduction; reducing anxiety and depression; lowering blood pressure; relieving chronic pain; improving balance and coordination; reducing falls; improving sleep quality; slowing bone loss in women after menopause; improving cardiovascular fitness, and improving everyday physical functioning.

Additionally, Tai Chi improves a feeling a well-being, stamina, and agility. It increases flexibility, strength and energy. Tai Chi may be likened to a moving state of meditation.

Interestingly, Science Daily reports in its March 24, 2007 edition that a 25 week study done at UCLA with 112 adults ages 59-86 revealed that by practicing Tai Chi alone, the participants boosted their immune system's resistance to shingles as much as if they have taken the current shingles vaccine.

When Tai Chi was combined with receiving the shingles vaccine, participants' immune response was that of someone of middle age against herpes zoster (shingles).

This study was also published in the April 2007 Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

The April 2, 2008 edition of Science Daily reports the results of two studies done that link the practice of Tai Chi with improved control of Type II diabetes mellitus. These studies were also published in the Online British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2008.

Not bad results for an exercise that requires no special equipment or clothes, is easy on the body, and can be done by practically everyone. The Mayo Clinic article does advise those with joint, spine, or heart problems to talk with their physicians before beginning Tai Chi-but that precaution is for just about any exercise program you would undertake.

Tai Chi is a series of slow, graceful movements coordinated with breathing. One movement flows into the next, with 100 possible movements in total.

Tai Chi instructors are becoming easier and easier to find as more and more people learn about its benefits. There are Tai Chi DVD/VHS's available. Many schools provide them as adult ed classes or a local college may provide Tai Chi classes. Check out the local YMCA or your area's senior center.

Tai Chi is not a substitute for traditional medical care, but it certainly is a great way to augment it and has a definite place in holistic self-care.