Falls are a serious concern for the elderly. Each year one out of three seniors suffer a fall. There are many methods for helping seniors prevent falls. One preventative measure that is gaining popularity is the practice of tai chi, a graceful form of exercise that involves series of slow, controlled motions.

1. Seniors Home Care

2.  Falls are a serious concern for the elderly. Each
year one out of three seniors suffer a fall.
 Furthermore, falls are the leading cause of fatal
and nonfatal injuries to elderly individuals.
 A fall can affect a senior’s ability to get around,
live independently, and increase their risk of
death.
 There are many methods for helping seniors
prevent falls.
 One preventative measure gaining popularity is
the practice of tai chi, a graceful form of exercise
that involves series of slow, controlled motions.

3.  The meditative movements of tai chi help the
elderly prevent falls by providing the benefits
of a low-impact, weight-bearing, aerobic
exercise.
 According to the Harvard Health Blog, some
studies show that tai chi may reduce falls in
seniors by up to 45%.
 Tai chi improves physical condition, muscle
strength, coordination, and flexibility.

4.  One way that tai chi prevents elderly falls is
by strengthening balance.
 The slow, smooth, and continuous
movements help strengthen the physical
components needed to stay upright.
 Practicing mindful transference of weight
helps to improve mobility, coordination, and
balance.
 Tai chi targets leg strength, flexibility, range
of motion, and reflexes – all of which tend to
decline with age.

5.  The low-impact nature of tai chi makes it
particularly well suited for the elderly. It is
adaptable to any age or condition.
 Seniors can start with a small range and build
as they feel comfortable.
 The elderly may begin tai chi while seated
(including wheelchairs) and focus on proper
alignment of the pelvis, chest, and head.
 Once that is accomplished, finding strength
and balance while standing is much easier.

6.  Timid seniors can also practice tai chi while
standing behind a chair, to provide a sense of
security and confidence.
◦ This helps prevent the fear of falling while working out
so that seniors may concentrate on their movements.
 Tai chi also helps boost confidence, an important
factor in fall prevention.
 The fear of falling can cause the elderly to be less
active, which increases the likeliness of falling.
 By integrating mind and body, tai chi helps
seniors build confidence, become surer on their
feet, and alleviate the fear of falling.

7.  Tai chi classes are available through many
different community organizations, such as
fitness centers, health clubs, and senior centers.
 There are varying styles and approaches to tai
chi.
 Before enrolling in a class, elderly individuals
may benefit from visiting several that are
convenient for them.
 This will help them get a feel for the way the
class is taught and determine if it will be a good
fit.

8.  It’s important to find a class and instructor
that is a good match (and respects a senior’s
comfort level).
 Before beginning a class, seniors should
make sure to inform their instructor of any
medical or physical conditions that might
interfere with tai chi movements.
 It is also a good idea for elderly individuals to
speak with their primary care physician
before beginning a new exercise routine.

9.  Seniors Home Care (SHC), a privately owned
company operated by a Registered Nurse, has
been providing professional and
compassionate St. Louis-area elder care since
1987. SHC offers complete personal and
household services that allow seniors to
maintain their dignity and independence,
wherever they call home.