Tai chi for me

Chi is the general life force of a human being. Chi is that which differentiates the living from the dead… the sum of many energetic frequencies that run through the body… Chi can be increased in a human being by doing qigong — exercises that work with your chi — or other internal energy practices, such as tai chi. Strong chi can make a person feel totally alive, alert and present.

~ Bruce Frantzis

Having committed to overcoming a self-limiting belief that scheduling exercise was self-indulgent, this week I searched for a practice that would serve me best at this stage in my life.

Tai chi, a gentle, low-impact mind-body practice originating from ancient China, is one of the most evidence-based and older adult-friendly exercises available.

It involves slow, flowing movements coordinated with deep breathing and focused attention, making it ideal for me as I continue to regain endurance after double-lung pneumonia, and for those with limited mobility, joint issues, or balance concerns.

I have found instructors online who do a great job teaching beginners, but ideally, I will join a group class to make it a little more social.

Extensive research highlights the impressive health benefits of tai chi for people as they age.

It dramatically reduces fall risk and improves balance.

It strengthens balance through weight-shifting, proprioception (body awareness), and core stability.

Tai chi builds lower-body strength, improves joint flexibility, and boosts overall physical function — often making long-term practitioners' abilities resemble those of much younger adults.

It improves executive function, and memory, and may help alleviate mild cognitive impairment.

Tai chi also reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress while enhancing sleep quality (with regular practice showing long-term benefits comparable to therapy for insomnia).

Other benefits include improvement of cardiovascular fitness and quality of life.

It helps manage conditions like osteoarthritis, Parkinson's, and hypertension.

Tai chi promotes overall well-being with no reported worsening of any condition. It is safe, adaptable (even chair-based versions exist), enjoyable, and often practiced in groups for added social benefits.

For me, it sounds like a wonderful, sustainable way to age actively and gracefully.