Slow Aging with Tai Chi!

It’s a fact of life that we’re all aging. However, the process can differ from one person to another. The better we take care of our health and make healthy lifestyle choices, the better we will age. This simple fact is supported by scientific research. People who focus on prevention early in life can reap the benefits of being more vital, energetic, and healthier as they face their senior years. But, it’s never too late to work to improve our health and well being, and Tai Chi is an excellent place to start.

Can Tai Chi actually slow the aging process?

Anyone of any age and fitness level can practice Tai Chi. This exercise began as a form of martial art but has also gained popularity as a form of meditative movement, helping to reduce pain, boost brain power, and improve posture and balance. It also makes a great adjunct to medications used to treat depression. But along with the list of health benefits can it actually slow the aging process?

A study on aging

A 2014 study in Cell Transplantation looked at how Tai Chi benefits the aging process. The study looked at whether Tai Chi affected the number of CD34 cells in the body. CD34 is important to cellular metabolism and many of our body’s organs, and an important factor in the aging process.

Researchers divided groups of volunteers who were under the age of 25 at the time of the study. Chosen because they renew cells better than older people, the under 25 group were given activities such as brisk walking, Tai Chi, or no exercise program whatsoever. Those chosen were free of any type of chronic disease and took no medications during the year long study period.

Results revealed rejuvenation

The study revealed those participants who studied and practiced Tai Chi on a regular basis had a much greater number of rejuvenating CD34 cells than those in the other two groups. Having more of these stem cells could offset the cellular death and decline that goes with the aging process. Researchers were quick to point out that the number of CD34 cells in the body only partially affects aging and that more studies on aging and Tai Chi are needed before they can confirm that it slows the aging process.

Scientific evidence has shown Tai Chi helps those who suffer from chronic pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia and Parkinson’s disease, problems typically affecting us as we age. It also helps to reduce stress, reduces blood pressure, and improves balance, all factors known to prolong and improve the quality of life.

A study on memory

Additionally, Tai Chi is known to improve memory in all age groups. A group of Chinese researchers looked at elderly people and their performance on memory tests. The researchers compared scores on memory tests between those who regularly practiced Tai Chi and those that did not, and discovered a significant difference between the two groups in the brain’s ability to memorize. Those who took part in Tai Chi at least three times per week did better on various memory tests after just 8 months. 

Tai Chi may also be able to help us live a better quality of life when practiced regularly. Parkinson’s disease patients showed improved balance and coordination when they studied and practiced regularly; patients had fewer falls, preventing potential hip and wrist fractures.

Tai Chi supports wellbeing

Tai Chi has a long list of health benefits, and supports mind, body, and spiritual wellbeing. Adding this gentle exercise to any regular fitness routine, along with aerobic and strength training workouts, will enhance health and wellness. Scientific research continues to support evidence of a longer and better quality of life for those who practice.

Learn more

Read about 5 lessons I’ve learned from Tai Chi

Learn how Tai Chi slows the mind and body

Check out how Tai Chi can relieve stress and anxiety

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This post is presented as informational entertainment and not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or disease. Always consult your medical professional before beginning any new regimen or adding anything new to your diet.
Sources:

ingentahealth.com
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/tai-chi/art-20045184
https://www.asianscientist.com/2016/03/health/tai-chi-reduce-blood-pressure/
health.harvard.edu
https://nccih.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/TaiChi-Fibromyalgia
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3285459/
https://exploreim.ucla.edu/east-west-medicine/tai-chi-increases-brain-size-improves-memory-combats-alzheimers/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254613000720