The Benefits of Tai Chi

Tai chi is one of the best-known martial arts as well as one of the oldest as it was developed around 1670. It has been used throughout the centuries to help balance the body and mind and recently has gotten positive press for being a good arthritis workout. In fact, several years ago, a study from the Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, found that “tai chi could specifically reduce the pain and physical impairment of people with severe knee OA.” In 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended a “Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention Program.”

The Scope, a blog produced by the Office of Communications at Stanford Medicine, published a study in 2018 declaring that tai chi can reduce the risk of falls. The multi-institutional clinical trial “assessed the effectiveness of two proven exercise interventions — tai chi and a multimodal exercise program — which were compared to a control intervention of stretching.”

The study consisted of 670 participants aged 70 and older with a high risk for falls based on limited mobility or a history of falling the previous year. Each was randomly assigned to take part in twice weekly, 60-minute exercise sessions for 24 weeks of tai chi balance training, multimodal exercises, or stretching. Study results were based on monthly self-reporting from participants on incidences of falls, and then confirmed with follow-up appointments and medical records. As reported in JAMA, the study found tai chi to be more effective in reducing falls during the six-month period. The data showed “152 falls occurred among 85 participants in the tai chi group, 218 falls among 112 participants in the multimodal exercise group and 363 falls among 127 participants in the stretching group.”

At the MorningStar of Hillsboro 55+ community, we know that staying active is good for all of us regardless of age. Along with resort-style amenities and services, we will offer a range of wellness programs that benefit the health of our residents. Please visit our website for contact information about independent living and to learn more about the newest senior living in Hillsboro, OR.

MorningStar Senior Living’s communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. If you are looking for the finest senior living Hillsboro, OR has to offer, MorningStar may be the place for you.

Sources:

taichiforhealthinstitute.org/how-does-tai-chi-for-arthritis-work/

scopeblog.stanford.edu/2018/09/13/tai-chi-may-help-prevent-older-adults-from-falling-a-study-finds/

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