Not walking, this is the best exercise for seniors!

When it comes to exercise, walking is the top priority because it is a gentle exercise to improve health. However, for older adults, experts recommend strength and balance exercises.

Exercises like weight lifting and tai chi can strengthen muscles, improve balance, and help prevent falls, according to health news site Healthline .

The benefits of tai chi, in particular, go beyond the physical. Because it focuses on slow, mindful movements, it strengthens the mind-body connection. Tai chi also reduces stress levels and supports long-term cognitive health, making it a well-rounded practice for healthy aging.

The benefits of tai chi go beyond the physical.

Illustration: AI

Tai Chi Improves Brain Health in the Elderly

You may have seen people practicing the slow, flowing movements of tai chi or qigong. These movements are designed to circulate energy throughout the body. Furthermore, gently moving through each pose engages the joints, shifts weight to improve balance, and helps the practitioner become more aware of the rhythm of the body, which in turn helps calm the mind.

A 2023 review in the journal BMC Geriatrics looked at 17 studies on the effects of tai chi and qigong in older adults. Results showed that both exercises improved balance, strength, and the ability to perform daily tasks. As physical health improved, cognitive function also increased, including attention, memory, and information processing.

Tai chi is more effective than walking for cognition

Notably, tai chi may even be more effective than walking for certain cognitive aspects.

A 2022 study published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience followed two groups of healthy adults over the age of 60. One group practiced tai chi for 60 minutes, three times a week, while the other group walked briskly. After 10 weeks, both groups improved their scores on cognitive tests. However, the tai chi group showed more significant memory improvements, according to Healthline.

Researchers explain that this may be because tai chi requires participants to learn and memorize complex sequences of movements, which helps train both the brain and the body.

This doesn't mean you don't need to walk though, it's best for older adults to incorporate both tai chi and walking into their exercise program. And remember, any exercise is better than none!

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/khong-phai-di-bo-day-moi-la-bai-tap-tot-nhat-cho-nguoi-lon-tuoi-185250922224125137.htm