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Try Tai Chi for Balance and Fall Prevention
The ancient practice targets physical and cognitive fundamentals
July 9, 2018
(This article was originally published on www.NextAvenue.org)
Patricia Bethke Bing, 75, a retired community organizer in Knoxville, Tenn., has been practicing Tai chi for approximately 20 years. She practices three days a week, for 40 minutes, with a group of people around her age.
Credit: Lifespace Communities, at Beacon Hill Retirement Community, in Lombard, Illinois.
“I decided to do Tai chi for the health benefits, both mental and physical. I have no specific health issues, but I was looking to keep my good health and improve my leg strength,” said Bing. “Tai chi practice helps me to maintain my good balance, strength, and flexibility.”
Tai chi, also known as Tai chi chuan, is a Chinese martial art performed with slow, controlled postures and movements. Enthusiasts practice it for defense or health, or both.
Tai Chi Is Helpful for Balance
Recently, several studies have addressed the benefits of Tai chi for older adults. A 2014 analysis of research on Tai chi and balance, “Improvement of balance control and flexibility in the elderly Tai Chi Chuan…
