Tai chi can prevent elderly from falls, add mental agility

Tuesday, April 25, 2017 - 11:41 in Psychology & Sociology

Fourth in an occasional series on how Harvard researchers are tackling the problematic issues of aging. The morning light is pouring into the nursing home in Canton, where six residents are performing an exquisite choreography of sweeping, lyrical movements, emulating their Tai chi instructor. “Wave hands like clouds,” urges Kerry Paulhus, leading them in the classic low-impact and slow-motion exercises of the ancient Chinese martial art. With relaxing music playing in the background, the students shift their weight from one leg to the other, turn their waists, and rotate their arms as if they indeed were clouds. When class ended, Elaine Seidenberg and Fran Rogovin, both 84 and close friends for four years, were glowing. “Tai chi calms me down and has lowered my blood pressure,” said Rogovin at Orchard Cove, a nursing facility that is part of Hebrew SeniorLife. “It’s just amazing what Tai chi has done for me.” “In class, we...

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