Tai Chi and the Elderly

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Recommended: Physical activity for older adults essay

Introduction:
In recent years, western civilization has adopted Tai Chi as not only a physical activity, but also a highly recommended rehabilitation method. Within physical therapy, Tai Chi is looked upon as an intervention to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.1 Since the aging adult experiences a decline in balance and more than one-third of those 65 years and older experience a fall related incident each year, it is logical to purport that regular participation in Tai Chi may be an ideal exercise program for the geriatric population.2 However, is Tai Chi physically and cognitively suitable for all elderly individuals? What factors should the Physical Therapist consider before recommending Tai Chi? Though the initial idea seems ideal for the geriatric population to improve these deficits, are all geriatric patients truly suitable to partake in this group activity?

Background:
Today, most modern styles of Tai Chi Chuan trace their development to at least one of the four traditional schools: Chen, Yang, Wu, or Sun.3 The most common style of Tai Chi currently practiced in the states is Tai Chi Chuan.4 This type of Tai Chi comes from the definitions: Tai Chi- meaning infinity, the absolute. It contains dynamic and static movement: it is the mother of Yin and Yang, of everything male and female. It is the root of motion, which is division, and of stillness, which is union.5 Chuan- or fist, is the symbol of unity between body and mind.4 Tai Chi Chuan must neither be overdone nor underdone: it must be exact. Comprehension comes from growing an understanding, plus effort and this leads one gradually to full enlightenment.4

According to Cheng, the Eastern culture views Tai Chi Chuan as having 4 purposes, and it is when yo...

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... 2012;20(1):37-58.
9. Gregory H, Watson MC. The effectiveness of Tai Chi as a fall prevention intervention for older adults: a systematic review. International Journal of Health Promotion & Education. 2009;47(3):94-100.
10. Gillespie LD, Robertson MC, Gillespie WJ, et al. Interventions for preventing falls in older people living in the community. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2012;9:CD007146.
11. Leung DPK, Chan CKL, Tsang HWH, Tsang WWN, Jones AYM. Tai chi as an intervention to improve balance and reduce falls in older adults: a systematic and meta-analytical review. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2011(1):40.
12. Sattin RW, Easley KA, Wolf SL, Chen Y, Kutner MH. Reduction in fear of falling through intense Tai Chi exercise training in older, transitionally frail adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2005;53(7):1168-1178.

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