Thus, Tai Chi can help practitioners with balance. Balance in turn helps reduce the frequency of falls. If Tai Chi also improves bone mineral density, then Tai Chi may also help reduce the severity of injuries resulting from falls. Yao, Giordani & Alexander (2008) studied the impact of a specific technique of teaching Tai Chi called the Sticky Hands. In particular, the researchers applied Sticky Hands as a means to motivate seniors with dementia via increased emotional as well as physical contact. Wolfson, Whipple, Derby, Judge, King, Amerman, Schmidt & Smyers (1996) found that among a senior community with a mean age of 80, Tai Chi practiced several times per week significantly improved a number of balance indicators. Tai Chi therefore has numerous proven benefits for the senior community. Seniors with mobility restrictions and other health-related issues can benefit from the moderate form of exercise of Tai Chi, which offers mental and emotional as well as physical benefits. Tai Chi can help improve balance and strength and reduce the frequency and severity of falls.

References

Mayo Clinic (2010). Tai Chi: Discover the many possible health benefits. Retrieved...

(2010). Tai Chi improves overall wellness for seniors. Rockford Independent. Retrieved online: http://www.rockfordindependent.com/main.asp?SectionID=11&SubSectionID=11&ArticleID=3440
Vouskelatos, a., Cumming, R.G., Lord, S.R., & Rissel, C. (2007). A randomized, controlled trial of Tai Chi for the prevention of falls: The central Sydney Tai Chi trial. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 55.

Wolfson, L., Whipple, R., Derby, C., Judge, J., King, M., Amerman, P., Schmidt, J., Smyers, D. (1996). Balance and strength training in older adults: Intervention gains and Tai Chi maintenance. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 44.

Woo, J., Hong, a., Lau, E., & Lynn, H. (2007). A randomized controlled trial of Tai Chi and resistance exercise on bone health, muscle strength, and balance in community-living elderly people. Age and Ageing 36:262-268.

Yao, L., Giordani, B., & Alexander, N.B. (2008). Developing a positive emotion-motivated Tai Chi (PEM-TC) exercise program for older adults with dementia. Research and Theory for Nursing Practice 22(4).