Is Tai Chi Beneficial To The Elderly? A Detailed Explanation Of The Pros And Cons And Risks Of Practice

Tai Chi can stretch the limbs and also help cultivate sentiment. It is a very suitable fitness activity for older people. Let’s talk about the situation of practicing Tai Chi in the elderly in detail.

The benefits of Tai Chi to the elderly

Tai Chi is soft and does not cause much vibration to the joints. Practice for the elderly can improve the flexibility of the joints and reduce the chance of joint problems. In addition, it helps to flow smoothly, enhances the function of the heart and lungs, makes the elderly rosy complexion, and their bodies more energetic. Continuous practice is effective in improving sleep conditions at night.

Tai Chi focuses on the coordination between the spirit and the body. When practicing , elderly friends can eliminate random thoughts, reduce mental burden and tension, and make their mood peaceful . At the same time, it helps to improve concentration and maintain memory ability, effectively reduce the risk of brain problems in the elderly and have a positive effect on the mental state of the elderly.

Risks for practicing Tai Chi in older groups

Older people have weakened their physical fitness. When practicing Tai Chi, their posture is not standard and can easily cause muscle sprains. Especially when doing twisting and bending actions, you may get injured if you are not careful. Moreover, the balance ability of the elderly becomes poor, and the center of gravity of the body is prone to become unbalanced during exercise, which may fall, resulting in adverse consequences such as fractures.

Some elderly people have chronic diseases such as hypertension and heart disease. Excessive Tai Chi activities may induce the disease, and Tai Chi has certain requirements for physical fitness. If the elderly have weak physical fitness and inappropriate exercise may make the body more tired, which is not good for health.

When elderly friends begin to learn Tai Chi, it is recommended to do it three times a week to give their bodies a period of time to gradually adapt. Each activity lasts for about half an hour. When the body slowly gets used to it, slowly increase the number and duration of the activity. Taking it slowly can not only receive the benefits of exercise, but also not make the body feel excessively tired.

People who are older and have good physical strength can do four to five activities a week, and grow up a little longer in a single activity, lasting about forty-five minutes. However, it depends on your own situation. If you feel tired or uncomfortable after the activity, you must reduce the number of activities and duration of activities a little.

Selection of Tai Chi movements for seniors

Yang's Tai Chi has calm posture and gentle movements, and does not include difficult jumps or flips, making it very suitable for the elderly. Tactics like Yunshou and Enqueu Tail are easy to learn and can move all joints of the body. It is easy for the elderly to master it when practicing, and can feel the artistic conception of Tai Chi in the slow motion.

Chen's Tai Chi includes some force movements, but for older people, they can practice the simplified version. For example, you can practice simplified Chen style Tai Chi. This version retains key moves and makes it easier to make it difficult. Older people can experience the characteristics of the combination of hardness and softness of Tai Chi after practicing it.

Things to note when practicing Tai Chi for older groups

Before the elderly start practicing Tai Chi, they must first perform preparation activities, such as turning their wrists, shaking their ankles, moving their waists, etc., so that all joints of the body can move and prevent injuries. When practicing boxing, you should choose a flat and safe place, preferably in a place with fresh air like a park.

When practicing Tai Chi, you should wear loose and soft clothing, and choose non-slip shoes, so that the physical movements can be unrestricted and the possibility of falling. After the exercise, do not take a shower or blow dry immediately . Wait until your body gradually calms down to prevent a cold.

Are there any older people around you who are doing Tai Chi? If you find this article useful, please like it and share it.