Balance and Fall Prevention: Tai Chi and Qigong

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese exercise that can help older adults improve their balance and lower their fall risk. Reducing their risk of falls, seniors can lower their odds of suffering a debilitating fracture. Tai Chi combines the physical components needed to stay upright—leg strength, flexibility, range of motion, and reflexes—all of which tend to decline with age. “The slow, deliberate footwork brings more awareness to the soles of the feet, not only in terms of touch sensitivity of foot to the floor, but also in awareness to changes in the ankle angle and weight distribution.” Because you’re constantly shifting your weight back and forth, you get more familiar with being able to balance in a number of different positions. “It’s like practicing tightrope walking on the ground.” You’re practicing your balance and you’re teaching your body to be more sensitive and have greater strength.”