Tai chi is an exercise that is easy on the joints.
The person who is doing it doesn’t need any equipment either and it is great for beginners. For all these reasons, tai chi is a great workout for senior citizens. Even so, your elderly loved one should check with their doctor first before starting any physical activity routine. If you think this would be good for your elderly loved one, talk to them and your senior care provider about how it can help the aging process today.
Helps with Mental Health Disorder Prevention
One of the things that you should talk to your elderly loved one about when it comes to practicing tai chi is that it helps to prevent mental health disorders. Some of the disorders it helps to prevent include depression and anxiety. It also boosts self-esteem. If this is something your elderly loved one could use help with, get them to start practicing tai chi regularly. In a short time, they should begin to feel the mental health benefits.
Reduced Risk of Falls
The risk of falling for senior citizens is usually quite high due to balance issues, lack of coordination, medication side effects, and the aging process. However, exercising (especially ones focused on balance such as tai chi) can help to lower the risk of falling because they:
- Reduce the fear of falling
- Improve balance
- Increase flexibility
- Increase muscle tone
If these are all things that your elderly loved one could benefit from, then you should have them try out tai chi. Many senior citizens aren’t so sure about this exercise when first starting, but after getting used to it, the exercise is quite enjoyable.
Improved Quality of Life
Did you know that tai chi can also help to improve a person’s overall quality of life? It can help with specific quality of life aspects, too. Many senior citizens have stated that tai chi helps them to:
- Get better sleep
- Have less pain
- Improve the immune system
- Sharpen their thinking
- Reduce confusion
Does it sound like your elderly loved one could benefit from these things? If so, don’t hesitate to find some tai chi workout videos for beginners to have your elderly loved one to try. If you can’t make it over to their house, senior home care providers can turn the videos on, as well.
Managing Health Conditions
There are so many health conditions that are quite common in the elderly. If your elderly loved one has a health condition, most likely tai chi can benefit their health in some way. Some of the health conditions that tai chi helps to manage, include:
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Osteoporosis
- Lung disease
- Back issues
- Parkinson’s disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Dementia
- Obesity
If your elderly loved one has any of these conditions, encourage them to start practicing tai chi. The benefits they can experience may include better concentration, improved memory, better balance, reduce muscle soreness, weight loss, reduced pain, and much more.
Senior Care Conclusion
There are many senior citizen centers that offer tai chi classes for the elderly. Your elderly loved one can also do these exercises while they are at home, too. If they are worried about doing these exercises alone, maybe you or a senior home care provider can step into it with them.
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable Senior Care in Dacula, GA, and the surrounding areas.
Call (770) 965.4004 for more information.
We provide home care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.
Sources
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-health-benefits-of-tai-chi
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
- The 5 Most Common Signs of Malnutrition In Seniors - November 22, 2024
- Personal Home Care in Gainesville, Georgia: Supporting Independence and Quality of Life - November 20, 2024
- 7 Tips for Caring for an Aging Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease - November 15, 2024