Exercise is extremely important, especially for senior citizens. Exercise can help you to keep muscle mass which in turn helps protect weakened bones. Exercise also has many mental benefits, including helping the fight against Alzheimer's and other dementia related illnesses, as well as preventing and treating depression. But this exercise doesn't necessarily need to be overly strenuous in order for you to reap in the benefits. This means you don't have to worry about going out for a run or playing a game of pickup basketball. You can get the exercise you require by doing less intense activities such as Tai Chi.

Tai Chi, it has been shown, has many health benefits, but these are most important amongst the senior population. A recent study found that elderly folk that practiced Tai Chi had better arterial compliance and greater muscle strength. These are two huge benefits, and you don't need to put in a ton of work in order to get these benefits. The subjects in this study performed Tai Chi exercises for at least 1.5 hours per week for three years. This comes out to less than 15 minutes per day of exercise€"something that is doable by almost anyone.

The benefits of muscle strength are obvious. Those who are stronger are less likely to suffer an injury, such as from a catastrophic fall. Additionally, senior citizens are at a severe risk of age-related weight loss, as well. This is usually marked by muscle atrophy that leaves people frail and delicate. By fighting this weight loss, you can live a more healthy life all around. The study found that joint strength was also affected in a positive manner, which is good news for those with joint issues such as arthritis.

But arterial compliance needs a little explanation. This refers to the ability of your arteries to expand and contract based upon pressure changes. If the arteries remain stiff and unmoved, you are at a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. This can be a life threatening condition, but simple movements and exercises like Tai Chi can drastically reduce this risk for you. Arterial compliance is often used as a predictor of an individual's risk of these cardiovascular diseases.

Tai Chi also has many aerobic benefits. It can help prevent cardiopulmonary diseases and can even be beneficial to those already suffering from chronic heart failure and myocardial infarction.

If you are looking for an easy to perform exercise, Tai Chi has many benefits to offer you. By spending just a little bit of time each day with this activity, you can drastically improve your health and start living a better all around lifestyle. Everyone wants to be healthier, but with Tai Chi, you can start taking some easy steps toward actually making this a reality.