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Yoga vs. Tai Chi for Seniors


Whether you reside in a senior housing facility in Kirkland, Washington, or live independently in a home or an apartment, exercise is one of the key components to helping you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Numerous studies indicate following an exercise regimen can help prevent the development of aging-related diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis. Exercise also benefits the heart, as well as enhances the circulation of blood throughout the body. You should experience an improvement in balance and coordination, as well as reap the benefits of a healthier mental state.

One of the many ways our MorningStar senior housing community in Kirkland helps residents maintain strong health is by offering several exercise options. The key is to participate in low-impact exercises that go easy on vulnerable joints and muscles. With that in mind, yoga and tai chi represent two of the most beneficial low-impact exercises for older adults. Both types of exercises achieve a balance between meeting the needs of both the mind and body. They both enhance balance, mobility, and coordination, as well as boost mental health.

However, subtle differences exist between the two types of low-impact exercises, which should help you determine which type of low-impact exercise is the right choice to meet your needs.

Yoga for Seniors

Originating in India centuries ago, yoga represents a spiritually-based type of exercise that involves regulated breathing and periods of focused meditation. Yoga consists of holding different physical postures to improve both balance and coordination. Contemporary yoga programs present a wide variety of styles and formats, which makes it easy for older adults to enroll in the right program. The regulated breathing and focused meditation components of yoga help seniors manage their mood, as well as prevent the development of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Seniors should avoid faster styles of yoga like vinyasa and power flow, and instead, participate in yoga programs that emphasize the mental health benefits of the exercise.

Tai Chi for Seniors

Tai Chi developed from the spiritual roots formed by Taoism, which started in China as an internal style of martial arts. The exercise routine requires more physical exertion than what yoga requires. This means seniors living with a disease like osteoarthritis should receive a consultation before deciding whether to enroll in a Tai Chi program. Tai Chi combines regulated breathing with graceful movements to achieve full body harmony. Seniors have several Tai Chi styles to choose from, including the oldest type of exercise called Chen style that emphasizes teaching self-defense moves.

Seniors also can consider enrolling in a Tai Chi program that concentrates on the Sun, Yang, or Wu style of the exercise regimen.

The Bottom Line

Before you decide which low-impact exercise program to enroll in at our senior housing facility in Kirkland, WA, we recommend consulting with your doctor before making your decision. If cleared by your physician to participate in both exercises, the one that you choose comes down to whether you want the more spiritual experience offered by yoga or the more physically demanding experience delivered by Tai Chi.

At the MorningStar senior housing community located in Kirkland, Washington, we offer a wide variety of exercise programs that enhance the mental and physical health of our residents. This includes classes that teach the movements of yoga and Tai Chi. Set in a highly supportive environment surrounded by the natural splendor of Northwest Washington, MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care in Kirkland provides highly-rated assisted living and memory care services.

Schedule a tour today to learn more about our senior housing community.
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