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China Tai

May 26th, 2010 admin No comments

China Tai

Tai Chi And The Elderly

The ancient art of Tai Chi has been used to promote health in China for hundreds of years. This graceful art uses slow, circular movements to exercise the body, mind, and consciousness. In China, Tai Chi is regarded as one of the best overall forms of exercise. This Martial Art is especially popular with the elderly population because it is generally slower than other forms of exercise and can be practiced without too much physical exertion. The low velocity, low impact movements can be performed by older individuals experiencing joint degeneration, muscle atrophy, poor balance, and low stamina.

Many studies have been conducted to assess the effects of Tai Chi on metabolism and cardiorespiratory response, mental control, prevention of falls in the elderly and immune capacity. The measures taken in these studies include metabolic rate, Heart Rate, ventilation, maximal oxygen uptake, blood pressure, immune capacity, and number of falls. The results show that Tai Chi can be classified as moderate exercise, because it does not demand more than 55% of maximal oxygen uptake. After comparing the results of studies, these experts suggest Tai Chi exercise is beneficial to cardiorespiratory function, immune capacity, mental control, flexibility, and balance control. It also helps to improve Muscle Strength, leading to a reduced risk of falls in the elderly.

As stated earlier, practicing Martial Arts can increase strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility. Inevitably, these physical properties dissipate with age. With decreasing physical ability, the elderly are susceptible to extreme injury and death due to falling. Falls are reported to be a leading cause of accidental death of the elderly.

While it is apparent that martial arts are good for health, it turns out they can also strengthen your immune system. We all know that the virus which leads to some sort of disease does not completely go away after recovery but remains dormant in nervous tissue. With age comes a weakened immune system. As one gets older, the virus is more likely to come back. Practicing Tai Chi can improve the immune system. Many studies suggest that the elderly individuals that take part in the Tai Chi program are more likely to resist the virus.

Proven benefits of Tai Chi training for the elderly include: increased strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and prevention of osteoporosis. Improvement in any of these areas leads to a decreased risk of harmful falls. Martial arts are a safe and effective way to protect against disease and reduce the negative effects of aging.

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