Learn to “Go with the Flow”

The Harvard Medical School journal says it is not surprising mind-body exercises like tai chi and yoga have become more popular over the last few decades as not only do people feel good doing them but more studies are showing the benefits of these exercises. Research suggests practicing tai chi can lead to a longer, more vital life, and is linked to lowering blood pressure, managing depression, building strength and improving balance.

The Harvard Medical School’s managing editor of introduction to tai chi, Peter Wayne, observed “tai chi was more like a multidrug combination that uses different components to produce a variety of effects.” His interest in the practice led him to develop the “eight active ingredients” of tai chi in order to evaluate the clinical benefits, the mechanisms used to produce these effects, and to shape the way it is taught to participants in clinical trials.

Wayne says awareness is the most important component when doing tai chi as paying attention to your breathing and sensations in your body helps you become more focused. Another ingredient of the practice is intention. By concentrating your mind through “visualization, imagery, and other cognitive tools used in tai chi,” you can begin to realign your intentions, beliefs, and expectations. One example was research involving stroke victims that found visualizing movements in a paralyzed arm helped some people eventually recover motor function.

“Studies show that older adults who do hour-long tai chi sessions one to three times a week are 43% less likely to fall, and they cut their risk of injury in half!” Other studies report benefits such as pain relief, less stress, elevated mood, increased confidence and a healthier heart. While considered safe for any age, please consult your physician before beginning any new exercise.

The MorningStar of Pasadena senior living community is part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, which has earned a reputation for “casting a new light” on senior living. Our goal is to provide the services, amenities and wellness programs to meet our residents’ social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living and assisted living in Pasadena, CA.

Source:
taichifoundation.org/blog-posts/eight-active-ingredients-tai-chi-excerpted-article-peter-m-wayne-feb-2019

health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/an-introduction-to-tai-chi?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=HB20211211-TaiChi&utm

Comments

How Many Steps Per Day for Better Health?

We have all heard about the value of walking 10,000 steps a day but recent studies show it may not actually be the magic number. One study published by JAMA found walking 7,000 steps or more a day may decrease the risk for mortality and offer better overall health. In the cohort study of 2110 adults with a mean follow-up of 10.8 years, participants who walked at least 7000 steps a day, compared with those taking fewer than 7000 steps, had a 50% to 70% lower risk of mortality. Researchers also noted, “There was no association of step intensity with mortality regardless of adjustment for step volume.” A 2020 study found a decreased risk for mortality in participants who took 8,000 steps a day than those who only took 4,000 steps a day. In the same year, another study found more steps taken each day were linked to lower rates of diabetes. Researchers say the bottom line is evidence points to the importance of increased physical activity. Before you begin walking, talk to your health...

Benefits for Assisted Living Available to Eligible Veterans or Surviving Spouse

Residents of the MorningStar Senior Living communities include veterans from all branches of the military and we are honored to serve them. As a MorningStar team member eloquently said, “Seniors speak powerfully to the fact that freedom comes at a cost. It requires that you choose to do the right thing which almost always includes sacrifice. Whether it’s time, money or comfort, those who came before us chose to sacrifice to build a better society.” When we meet a potential resident who is a veteran or a surviving spouse of a vet, and in need of assisted living ; we are pleased to direct them to a “Financial Concierge.” These financial services experts have the knowledge to ease and quicken the application process for “Aid & Attendance,” which is a benefit offered through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Aid & Attendance benefits are a tax-free pension paid directly to a qualified veteran or their spouse in the form of monthly payments, which is subject to change annuall...

Learn More About MorningStar at River Oaks

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at River Oaks is in the Upper Kirby District in Houston, and has 85 private assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 27 suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We are proud to offer our residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Our home is a part of MorningStar Senior Living, which has over 40 communities currently open or under construction across the country. MorningStar began in 2003 when founder Ken Jaeger had a dream to start a senior housing company that was defined by the human touch. He says, “I wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.” From this came our guiding principles and three mission statements our company is based on: Honor God in our business practices and relationships — a commitment to strong moral values and eth...

MorningStar Independent Living Blog

Search This Blog