Tai Chi for Elderly?

This is an excellent exercise for the more mature individual and helps to increase oxygen flow within the body, promotes feelings of well being and also helps to engage and strengthen many of the muscle groups within the body. 

According to the NCCAM National Institutes of Health website, the concept of Tai chi uses two metaphysical components of energy. These forces are a combination of yin and yang, which are the differential forces within the body. The other aspect is qi, which is an essential component of vital energy. When a person practices the techniques of Tai chi they are said to promote a well balanced energy of yin and yang. This helps promote qi energy within the individual. 

Many of these exercises that Tai Chi uses are slow well concentrated movements. This exercise has been known for having a number of health benefits, which include anxiety and depression. This is because during the exercises these movements incorporate breathing techniques that put the mind at ease and channel nervous energy into a deeper relaxed energy. This helps to calm the mind and the spirit while inducing a sense of calm within the soul.

In studies performed by NCAMM, researchers have found that many of the results favored Tai Chi in helping a number of different health ailments, such as bone loss prior to menopause, depression in elderly individuals as well as various types of arthritis. These being, osteoarthritis in the knee and rheumatoid arthritis.

In Conclusion

By incorporating many different types of exercises from an array of disciplines can give the more mature population a more fulfilled life with many health benefits. These physical benefits include  better physical fitness, strengthens muscles and joints which helps reduce the risk of injury. Exercise  for the elderly population also has a  multitude of preventative techniques that fight against  the formation of various types of cardiovascular disease and osteoarthritis. There are also many mental benefits as well, such as a decrease in the likelihood of depression, a better spiritual connection with the self and  a better sense of well being. With so many benefits it's hard to resist not trying at least one of these exercises.