Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that stems back to around 1460 A.D. and has many medically proven benefits, especially in the aging population. As we age and our bodies become less tolerant to physical exercise, it is important that we find a physical outlet to keep our bodies fit and healthy. Thai Chi is an excellent way to achieve improved fitness and mental benefits
Improved strength and endurance
Stanford university researchers concluded in a 2006 study that after 36 sessions of Tai Chi, a group of 136 subjects with an average age of 66 years old returned positive health results and above average strength and muscles gain. Tai Chi is an amazing way to build muscle strength without the high body impact associated with resistance training. In the older generation it builds stamina, endurance and muscle strength, all returning positive health results.
Proven Health benefits without the body aches
Due to Tai Chi’s unique movement style, fluid motion and anatomically correct structure, the vast majority of older participants receive all the health benefits, without the pain of body aches the following day. Tai Chi works every muscle group in the body and requires intense concentration to achieve remarkable results. It improves balance, stability, flexibility, muscle tone, decreases cholesterol and improves heart function. In fact there are so many great benefits for older participants that it is quite simply difficult to understand why the elderly would not engage in it.
Tai Chi for medical conditions
Medical studies worldwide have concluded that Tai Chi has positive effects on a large proportion of medical illnesses that our aging population is afflicted with. It has been proven to reduce aches and pains associated with arthritis, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, assist with mobility issues of the elderly and also assist women with osteoporosis maintain bone density. Four thousands of years the Chinese have used the art of Tai Chi as a means to keep the aged population active, improve health function and motivate the mind. The benefits proven in studies by some of the leading universities worldwide, such as Harvard University Medical School, have proven the benefits of Tai Chi for a vast majority of older people.
Social Activity
As we age it becomes increasingly more difficult to meet new people, to make new friends and to socialize in general. Tai Chi and many other physical exercises are a great way to meet like-minded people of a similar age bracket and feel a sense of belonging. Socializing increases mental activity and assists the older generations combat issues such as loneliness.
Tai Chi has a multitude of benefits for people of all ages, but it is particularly useful for the older generation. Its low impact, fluid motion methods of exercise are perfect for keeping us fit, healthy and mentally active.
Andy has been blogging about aged care for the last 4 years and has published numerous articles on the topic. When he is not blogging, Andy distributes patient slings and other accessories for patient handling
The Benefits Of Tai Chi For Elderly People
