Tai Chi and the many benefits for seniors

Seniors benefit from gentle tai chi exercises - even better in natural surroundings such as this

As we have mentioned before, Tai Chi is for all ages. Interestingly, Tai Chi seems to be especially beneficial for seniors. Reason enough to take a deeper look into the many benefits, Tai Chi has to offer for them.

Sometimes, Tai Chi is referred to as mediation in motion, as it brings benefits for your physical, mental and emotional health. We have known for a long time, regular physical activity is one of the key points to consider, if you want to ensure healthy aging. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention seem to give similar advice. It only takes about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week for your health to benefit from. Tai Chi can be the one, that is low impact, easy to learn and great fun to do. If you have never heard of Tai Chi, here is what it is.

Tai Chi is an ancient form of martial arts that is popular even today.

Tai Chi is an ancient form of martial arts, originally developed for self-defense. Today, these gentle, rhythmic exercises are known to relieving stress, increasing physical strength and improving flexibility and balance, all of which are beneficial for seniors.

Physical flexibility and balance seems to get lost as we age, when we stop or reduce physical activities. Once we lose that, we increase our risk for falling. All this can be prevented by physical exercises such as Tai Chi. The combination of body rotation, shifting of weight and positioning of the body, that are integral part of Tai Chi, will help improve your strength and balance in your legs. One study seems to have come to a similar conclusion.

Besides reducing your fear and risk of falling, Tai Chi seems helpful in relieving various types of pain that we see in conditions such as osteoporosis, back pain, and fibromyalgia. Some studies have shown the positive aspect of Tai Chi exercises in this regard.

Aging, unfortunately also often comes with weight gain. One study states, performing Tai Chi exercises five times a week for 45 minutes, showed benefits for weight loss.

As stated above, the gentle moves of Tai Chi, combined with the control of breathing has the ability to boost your mood, which may help in reducing the effects of stress, depression or anxiety.

No matter why you choose to engage in Tai Chi, there are many benefits for seniors. If you opt for some group classes, the social aspect may even help you stick to it for life.