Tai chi is a low-impact exercise that has been practised in China for thousands of years, and it has been gaining popularity in North America for quite some time. Seniors who participate in this activity often gain significant health benefits while reducing the risk of injuries that often accompany other exercises. Here’s a list of some of the benefits tai chi can offer your elderly loved one.
Reduces the Risk of Falling
Tai chi can prevent falls by increasing balance. It does so by strengthening muscles in the legs, increasing reaction time, and giving ankles more flexibility. Tai chi also promotes better balance by enhancing inner ear communication and increasing core strength.
Seniors who need help doing tai chi or performing another type of exercise should consider professional in-home care. Elderly home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Enhances Cognitive Ability
The repetitive movements of tai chi can boost memory and cognitive performance, which in turn can reduce the risk of thinking impairment and dementia. Researchers have also discovered tai chi increases brain volume, especially in the hippocampus, the region of the brain associated with memory and learning.
Doing tai chi and other types of exercise can help seniors maintain their independence. Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of respite care Barrie seniors can depend on.
Alleviates Cancer Symptoms
Though tai chi doesn’t cure cancer, it can help seniors manage the aftereffects of the disease by strengthening the body. Tai chi restores body functions that cancer and its treatment may have affected, and it also increases energy and strength.
Boosts Immunity
Studies have found tai chi may play a part in promoting a healthy immune system. These studies discovered seniors who practised tai chi for at least five months responded better to vaccines.
Promotes Heart Health
For seniors with chronic heart failure, tai chi has the ability to boost mood and overall quality of life. It also serves as a form of moderate aerobic exercise, which may encourage them to participate more. Experts note starting with tai chi often prompts seniors to engage in additional exercises, a definite plus for heart health.
Treats Parkinson’s Disease
The National Parkinson’s Foundation endorses tai chi as an effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease for many reasons. Tai chi can slow the loss of cognitive abilities related to the condition, and it increases mobility and balance to prevent falls.
If your loved one needs help and supervision to perform tai chi, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Barrie senior home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call 647-970-3803 today.