When people enter their senior years, there’s often a need to think of ways to incorporate tai chi for maintaining full-body wellbeing. At the same time, the option must be gentle on the body while supporting a good balance of health and flexibility. In some circles, this practice is often suggested, especially if you pass by parks where older people of East Asian descent move their arms and legs in gracefully slow motions.
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi, also known as Tai Chi Chuan, is a gentle form of exercise that originated in China over a thousand years ago. It’s a low-impact form of exercise that is easy on the joints and muscles, making it a great option for seniors. Tai Chi is also a form of mindfulness and relaxation, making it a great way for seniors to reduce stress, improve their overall wellbeing, and maintain their physical fitness.
Tai Chi involves slow, flowing movements and deep breathing, helping seniors improve their balance and coordination, joint flexibility, reduce pain and stiffness, and improve overall physical function. Tai Chi has also been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and boost the immune system .
In Australia, Tai Chi is becoming increasingly popular among seniors. There are many Tai Chi classes and groups available throughout the country, making it easy for seniors to find a class that is convenient and accessible. Tai Chi is a low-impact form of exercise, which means it’s a great option for seniors who are looking to stay active, but who may have mobility issues or who are recovering from injury or surgery.
When taking up Tai Chi, it’s important to start slow and gradually increase the intensity of your practice. This will help you to avoid injury and will allow you to gradually build up your strength and flexibility. It’s also important to find a Tai Chi instructor who is experienced and qualified, as this will ensure that you are learning the proper techniques and form, and that you are getting the most out of your practice.
Many instructors will be accredited by organisations such as the Tai Chi Association of Australia, which requires prospective instructors to undergo five years’ training under accredited practitioners. The Kung Fu Wushu Australia oversees the training programmes for tai chi masters as per the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme for Kung Fu. Some of those tai chi instructors would probably have gone so far as to take up further study in China.
Tai Chi Benefits for Seniors
The following are some notable benefits for elderly people who want to take that Tai Chi leap.
Stress and anxiety management
Tai Chi Chuan offers lessons in proper breathing techniques, including ways to expand the chest and to take slow, deep breaths. The benefit of the exercises is to calm down the person and soothe the nerves.
Avoiding slips and falls
Successful Tai Chi trainees are able to gradually avoid a risk of slips and falls as the training involves weight and balance, and to make strides with the heel landing first on the ground and the toes pointing back up. The sessions will also involve careful lateral movements, allowing a person to safely change directions with their body without the danger of an accidental twist of their legs and falling in the process.
Lower risk of osteoporosis and fractures
Tai Chi drills involve assuming positions to test the body’s capability to hold its own weight, this is even more important if the person is hit by osteoporosis. Healthy Bones Australia states that since osteoporosis patients have a higher risk of fractures, tai chi maintains the balance needed to avert it. They may be supplanted by higher calcium intake.
Building up leg muscles
Taking up a tai chi class enables a workout of the leg muscles because the exercises are all standing up, with squats in between. The object is to slowly reinforce the leg muscles while also building up core muscles.
Reduced inflammation
Tai Chi lessons are noted for aiding the body to resist inflammation, especially in the case of arthritis and fibromyalgia. The team at Arthritis Australia stated there may be a lower chance of arthritis as tai chi exercises reduce joint pain and increase flexibility.
Lower blood pressure
Tai Chi works well in lowering blood pressure as the discipline’s emphasis on calmness and movement enables lower cholesterol levels. A Taiwanese study in 2003 involved two groups of 76 people diagnosed with high blood pressure and underwent 30-minute Tai Chi classes for 12 weeks. The results revealed that the test subjects had much lower levels of blood pressure and cholesterol while reducing their anxiety.
Social bonding
Tai Chi classes are primarily group events, and being able to undertake that exercise with many people around you can be fun for seniors who need new connections.
In line with the above, your tai chi instructor and your general practitioner may guide you to reinforce the exercises with healthier eating options.
Conclusion
You don’t have to remain idle passing the time in retirement. Activities such as tai chi chuan will help you take care of your body. Whether you’re a senior looking to maintain your physical fitness, or you’re recovering from injury or surgery, Tai Chi is a safe and gentle form of exercise that is suitable for seniors of all fitness levels. Consider giving it a try; your body may thank you later.
The A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage
The A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage can be a good resource to aid you in pursuing Tai Chi. Part of your fund for daily expenses may be used to enrol in an accredited Tai Chi class of your choice. Other parts of that fund can be put into medical checkups or building up your healthy food options.
Please call A.S.A.G. at 1300 002 724 or email to info@asagfirst.com.au for further concerns on financing your tai chi wellness programme.
You can use our equity assessment tool below to find the equity you need for your loan.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official advice. A.S.A.G. is not affiliated with any mentioned brands or companies.