Tai Chi Can Prevent Falls in Older People

There has been recent research indicating that the martial art Tai Chi is excellent for preventing falls in older people and for boosting mental health.

The researchers analysed 35 reviews in English, Chinese and Korean databases to assess the health benefits of doing Tai Chi. They examined the effects of Tai Chi on a number of conditions which included cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and musculosceletal pain.

Some of the studies focused on mental health, balance and prevention of falls, aerobic capacity and muscle strength and flexibility.

The results were partially inconclusive but, according to study authors Myeong Soo Lee of the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine in South Korea, and Dr. Edzard Ernst of the University of Exeter in England, Tai Chi offers real health benefits for older people, is successful in fall prevention and offers good improvements in mental health.

The study authors wrote: "Our overview showed that tai chi, which combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow and gentle movements, may exert exercise-based general benefits for fall prevention and improvement of balance in older people as well as some meditative effects for improving psychological health,"

They concluded: "We recommend tai chi for older people for its various physical and psychological benefits. However, tai chi may not effectively treat inflammatory diseases and cardiorespiratory disorders."

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