Tai Chi: Ideal Exercise for the Elderly

          Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise that originated in China, as a form of martial arts. It is a great exercise for the elderly population with a variety of disabilities because it can be modified to suit the needs of individuals. Tai Chi is appropriate for this population because of the gentle nature of the exercise. It is not about pushing through the pain, but rather, enjoying the workout.

Tai Chi has been touted as a mind-body exercise which has many benefits in the affective domain, especially when practiced in a group setting. The social aspect that comes from the group exercise is what many elderly people need in an exercise regimen. In an interview, a client in Tarleton State University’s Laboratory for Wellness and Motor Behavior gave a powerful testimony related to his journey from recovery of a stroke. His described this affective phenomenon of the benefits that occurs from the social aspect that comes when exercising in a group environment, and the importance of having a support network.

The client also explained the perceived and personal psychomotor benefits that occur from a normal exercise routine that involves cycling and range of motion exercises. These benefits include many aspects of physical health, but for the client it also meant defying the odds and gaining the ability to walk again. Tai Chi can provide similar psychomotor benefits that client received, but in real-world setting.

While Tai Chi is not as well-known as other forms of exercise in the United States, many people have misconceptions of the practice or feel like it cannot be beneficial because it is relaxing and slow paced. For many elderly people, slow paced exercise is just what they need. Despite the misconceptions, there are many different resources available on the internet and in books for learning Tai Chi as well as research about the benefits of Tai Chi with elderly.

Tai Chi instructor, Mark Johnson, has made some Tai Chi exercise videos. One of his videos,“Tai Chi for Seniors” is designed for the elderly population . This video includes several different slow, easy movements to get started practicing Tai Chi. One movement Johnson calls “picking fruit” is a great example of an activity for the elderly. It involves them reaching with one hand to the sky, and while bringing the other hand at elbow length. This motion can apply to the activities of daily living that many seniors need to work on to make daily task of reaching to a higher shelf, or getting dressed easier. The exercise involves shifting the weight from one leg to the next, and encourages the elderly to concentrate on their activity which can liberate their mind from focusing on stress.

While any age group and fitness level can practice Tai Chi, it is very appropriate for the disabled and elderly population. Tai Chi should be implemented in retirement homes, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. With the right modification to stimulate improvement, the elderly can use Tai Chi as an exercise routine. Tai Chi is very practical because it does not require any type of equipment. The possibilities of modifying Tai Chi activities to meet individuals’ needs are endless.

Sample Video of "Tai Chi for Seniors"

Tai Chi and the Elderly