TAI-CHI - AN ALTERNATIVE EXERCISE FORM FOR SENIORS

Tai Chi, an ancient form of Chinese fitness exercise, affords its part icipants a variety of physical and psychological benefits. Research ha s suggested that individuals engaging in Tai Chi exercises improve car diovascular fitness and motor control while reducing stress, anxiety a nd depression. Tai Chi is particularly suitable for seniors, who are o ften at risk for a variety of problems associated with aging (e.g., ar thritis, neurological dysfunction, and general decline of balance, coo rdination, and locomotor function). Because of its self-paced, nonstre ssful, and noncompetitive nature, and its ability to afford economy of time, space, and equipment, Tai Chi presents an effective, functional alternative exercise form for the senior adult population. This artic le presents the background of Tai Chi practice and introduces several key elements and suggestions for teaching Tai Chi to senior participan ts. Finally, some selected resources for Tai Chi practice are listed.