Go with the flow
02 Oct 2020
Traditional Chinese martial arts that exercise both the mind and the body offer unique benefits for older people.
If you’ve ever seen a group of people practising slow, coordinated movements in the park and wondered what they’re up to, they’re probably performing tai chi or qigong.
Although many tend to associate martial arts with aggressive manoeuvres such as flying kicks and breaking wooden planks with bare hands, Chinese martial arts such as tai chi and qigong are characterised by slow, gentle movements.
A relaxing, low-impact activity that can be performed in the comfort of your living room or in a park, hall or recreational centre, all that’s needed to practise tai chi and qigong is comfortable clothing, flat shoes and an instructor to provide guidance.
Tai chi VS. qigong
Practised since the 16th century, tai chi is characterised by a series of controlled, choreographed, flowing movements matched with calm breathing. Tai chi participants are instructed to focus their minds on each movement of their body, so that the body follows the mind with ease.
Similar to tai chi, qigong is a centuries-old gentle form of activity with roots in ancient China. A series of movements and breathing exercises repeated in sequence, qigong is similar to tai chi but lacks the intricate choreography of tai chi.
Both tai chi and qigong can be attempted by people of all ages, strengths and abilities. Offering tangible benefits for older people, many seniors turn to these gentle, low-impact regimes in order to stay active as they age.
The mind-body connection
Unlike other types of exercise, tai chi and qigong are therapeutic for both the body and the mind. Promoting a calm, tranquil mind and strong, supple body, tai chi and qigong are suitable activities for older people living with all types of conditions including dementia, diabetes and heart disease.
Master Han Jin Song of Tai Chi Australia believes that tai chi is the perfect type of exercise for older people because of its gentle nature. Many other forms of exercise are not suitable for people living with chronic diseases or mobility issues, yet tai chi can be attempted by most people – no matter what life stage they are at.
Teaching students up to the age of 94, Master Han Jin Song advises older people interested in tai chi or qigong to receive guidance from a professional instructor well-versed in both the mental and physical components of Chinese martial arts.
“In Australia, many places only teach the physical side of tai chi, but true tai chi engages the body, breath and mind,” he says. “If you only learn the physical movements, you’ll still get some benefits, but you’ll miss out on the mental benefits. In tai chi, mind health is more important than physical health. If someone has a healthy, strong mind, they can cope with stress or illness. If you lack mental training, then your mind will deteriorate, and that’s when you start going downhill.
A professional tai chi instructor will teach you to engage your mind so that your mind and body work together simultaneously.”
The key to ageing gracefully
Practised by everyone from stressed executives to seniors looking for low-impact exercises that don’t aggravate age-related conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis and bursitis, people all over the world are embracing tai chi and qigong.
While a strenuous game of tennis or mountain biking session might be out of the question for many seniors, tai chi is an accessible form of exercise that doesn’t drain the body of energy and vitality, but rather boosts them.
Believed to improve mobility, flexibility, circulation, balance, posture and mental alertness, regular tai chi or qigong sessions could just be the key to ageing gracefully.
Visit the Tai Chi Australia website to find classes near you: taichiaustralia.com.au
Both tai chi and qigong can be attempted by people of all ages, strengths and abilities. Offering tangible benefits for older people, many seniors turn to these gentle, low-impact regimes in order to stay active as they age.
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