The Benefits Of Tai Chi
It is thought in China that through Tai Chi it is possible to prolong life and delay aging. In addition, it is believe that Tai Chi makes it possible to improve flexibility as well as strengthen the muscles and tendons as well as assist in treating numerous diseases and conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure and heart disease along with cancer, skin diseases and cancer.
Balance
There has been much research conducted which indicates that when older individuals make use of Tai Chi, it makes it possible for them to prevent falls due to the improvement of balance. This is quite important because injuries related to falls are actually one of the major causes of death as well as disabilities in senior citizens.
The most serious of all injuries is the hip fracture. It is estimate that 50% of all senior citizens who are hospitalized for a hip fracture never again regain their prior level of function. Due to the fact that the movements of Tai Chi are deliberate and slow, it allows you to achieve improved balance, which could ultimate reduce the rate of falls.
In fact, one study compared men at least age 65 who had practiced at least ten years of Tai Chi with men of the same age group who had not been involved in any regular physical activity or regular sports. The study concluded that men who practiced Tai Chi were able to perform better in terms of cardiovascular function, flexibility and balance.
Another study compared men and women between the ages of 22 and 76 who suffered from mild balance disorders. The study found that after eight weeks of practicing Tai Chi, these individuals experience significant improvement on standard balance tests.
Walking
With age, becomes a reduction in the speed of walking. Research has concluded that this could be associated with the increased risk of falling as one grows older. In individuals who practice Tai Chi; however, it has been found, that regular practitioners take far more steps than individuals who do not practice Tai Chi. It is also thought that improving walking may also reduce the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and many other chronic diseases.
Self Confidence
It has also been shown that Tai Chi is able to improve levels of self confidence in older individuals as well. Researchers found that the fear of falling could be reduced significantly in a group of person age 70 or older who practiced Tai Chi regularly. Further studies found that this improved self confidence was related to improved balance. It is thought that when physical control as well as one's mental state is enhanced, there is also an improved overall sense of well being.
Endurance and Strength
Tai Chi also makes it possible to improve strength and endurance. Studies conducted among men and women between the age of 60 and 80 who practiced Tai Chi three times per week for three months were asked to submit to a range of physical fitness tests in order to measure their muscular strength, balance and endurance after the three months.
The tests revealed there were significant improvements in endurance, muscular strength and balance after just six weeks. Those rates increased even more following twelve weeks.