T'ai Chi Prevents Falls among Elderly

Juneau small boat harbor

For centuries, practitioners have known that T'ai Chi strengthens the body, improves balance and coordination, and enhances alertness.  There is more than ample proof now that elderly people, for example, can benefit from such exercise, and agencies like the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services fund T'ai Chi programs for them.

The T'ai Chi system of exercise has been shown to prevent falls in older adults. Tai Chi began as a Chinese martial art and evolved into a series of fluid movements that relax and stimulate the body and mind. Research suggests that Tai Chi may offer many health benefits that include reduced stress, anxiety and depression; improved flexibility, strength, balance and coordination that lead to fewer falls; improved sleep; reduced bone loss; lower blood pressure; better cardiovascular fitness; relief of chronic pain and stiffness; and higher immunity to shingles. T'ai Chi can help with conditions of osteoporosis, fibromyalgia symptoms, osteoarthritis, and arthritis. Tai Chi helps improve awareness, calmness and one’s overall sense of well being.

If you live in the Juneau area, and are at least 60 years old, there is a free class offered by the Juneau Senior Center, beginning one week from today on August 19th.  Please call Carol Comolli at (907) 463-6175.