Tai chi lowers the risk of falls in the elderly
Here’s why this is important.
- Deaths from falls increase dramatically with age
- Falls account for 70% of accidental deaths in people over 74 years old
- Associated with significant illnesses
- More than 90% of hip fractures occur as a result of falls — in people over 70 years of age
- One-third of community-dwelling elderly people and 60% of nursing home residents fall each year
Here’s evidence that tai chi helps.
Among 256 healthy physically inactive older adults between 70 and 92 years of age, some participated in a 6-month program of tai chi, while the rest took part in a stretching exercise program. The groups were then followed for an additional 6 months, with the following significant results in the tai chi group.
- Fewer falls
- Fewer injurious falls
- Reduced risk for multiple falls
- Improvements in all measures of functional balance, physical performance, and reduced fear of falling
- Gains in these measures were maintained at a 6-month follow-up in the tai chi group
Several years ago, I wrote an article about tai chi. Even then, the benefits were clear, and justified its use among senior citizens. These updated findings support that recommendation today.
10/14/06 15:59 JR