Tai Chi May Help Seniors Avoid Falls

Tai chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, may improve senior citizens' strength and help them avoid falls, South Korean researchers find.

"Regular exercise is very important as we get older because when we get to 65 we start losing muscle strength at a rate of up to two percent per year" say the researchers in a news release.

It is effective in fall prevention for older people because of improvements in strength and balance, they say.

The researchers tested tai chi in older adults. The slow, gentle, and continuous movements help them develop stronger muscles, better balance control, concentration, and psychological well-being.

They found benefits including:

— Stronger knees and ankles

— Better balance and flexibility

— Improved walking

— More confidence in the ability to avoid falls

The tai chi students had fewer falls than others who didn't take the class.

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