September is Go4Life month, sponsored by the National Institute on Aging in collaboration with the White House Conference on Aging. Go4Life month is a campaign designed to empower adults ages fifty and older to stay active.
Research has shown that exercise can help prevent many of the chronic conditions and disability associated with aging, however, adults in the United States tend to become less active as they age.
One way to stay active and get moving is through the exercise of tai chi. Tai chi is an ancient form of martial art that incorporates meditation with slow, graceful movements and controlled breathing.
According to physical therapy assistant and certified tai chi instructor for arthritis, Karen Hill, tai chi is an easy and gentle way for anyone to stay active.
“Tai chi is something that anyone can do,” said Karen. “The movements can be modified so that they are all within a comfortable range of motion. You can even do it sitting down if you can’t stand for long periods of time.”
“If you aren’t able to exercise frequently, tai chi is very gentle and won’t cause any pain,” said Karen.
Tai chi has numerous physical and emotional benefits as well.
“Tai chi is great for strengthening muscles, stretching and mobility,” said Karen. “It’s gentle on joints, and also helps with balance and coordination, which is particularly beneficial for seniors who want to reduce their fall risk.”
“It’s a great stress-reliever,” said Karen. “Because you’re focused on your controlled movement, it distracts you from all of your worries and burdens. When you can take your mind off of everything you have to do, it relaxes you and gives you a second burst of energy.”
Tai chi classes are offered at many local senior centers and agencies throughout southwest Michigan. Lakeland Health also offers a tai chi class specifically for cancer patients, survivors, and their caretakers on Wednesdays at the Marie Yeager Cancer Center.
What’s your favorite way to stay active every day? Let us know in the comments section below!
Sep 22, 2015 Reporting from Niles, MI
Celebrate Active Aging with Tai Chi
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/health-wellness/ask-the-experts/ask-the-experts/2015/09/22/celebrate-active-aging-with-tai-chi
Sep 22, 2015
Sep 22, 2015
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
September is Go4Life month, sponsored by the National Institute on Aging in collaboration with the White House Conference on Aging. Go4Life month is a campaign designed to empower adults ages fifty and older to stay active.
Research has shown that exercise can help prevent many of the chronic condit
Celebrate Active Aging with Tai Chi
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/ResourcePackages/SpectrumHealth/assets/img/sh_white_logo.png
