A devastating bout with Guillain-Barre syndrome left my mother paralyzed from the neck down when she was just 34 years of age. Although she eventually learned just to walk again, she never fully regained her sense of balance and was prone to falls the remainder of her life. By the time she'd turned 65, a wear some ice in Idaho left her with pins and screws along the full length of her left leg. Seven years later a misstep inside a parking lot broke several bones in her own right leg. Finally, in 2004, she tripped on the vacuum cord in her own home, resulting in a broken hip that will eventually contribute to her death in a relatively young age of only 75.

Mom's number of falls was certainly not the best. She was a part of an increasing group of seniors, particularly women older than 65, whose lives are dramatically shortened or negatively impacted by an autumn. Based on an article published on the Harvard University website: \”According towards the Cdc and Prevention, one in three seniors falls dangerously every year. In 2023, about 27,000 seniors died from falls, a lot more than 2.8 million were treated in emergency rooms, and 800,000 were hospitalized. Falls would be the leading reason for death among adults over 65, and also the death rate from their store has soared previously decade.\”

A generation later, I have moved in to the age where falls have become a menace to my continued activity and my ability to care for my husband and my home. But unlike my mother, I have found a secret weapon, one shared with millions of enthusiastic seniors in the usa.

What is that this magic formula for health? It is the ancient practice of Tai chi, a kind of exercise involving slow, methodical movements that engage both body and mind. Numerous studies show the advantages of this ancient type of exercise. An article appearing in Time Magazine in 2023 referenced more than 600 academic papers extolling its virtues.

Tai chi classes can be found at community centers, at gyms, and in private classes in any large city. Locally, the Center for Living Well, sponsored by the Medical City Plano, offers classes at the start, intermediate, and advanced levels. Even though the classes attract some younger adherents, the typical chronilogical age of the 150 students each week runs between 65 and 70 years of age.

Classes are taught by two employees of the Cardiac Rehab Department. Lynn Kubic, a personal trainer and cardiac rehab technician, has been teaching the art of Tai chi for eleven of her 15 years in the hospital. She first became aware of the practice like a cool-down activity for swim classes she was teaching. Later, Lynn volunteered to teach Tai chi towards the Plano community. Participants loved the classes, and Medical City Plano chose to invest time, money, and energy in to the new venture.

Denise Clarkston, who holds a master's degree in exercise physiology, joined Lynn two years ago and today alternates teaching classes at the new facility. She has her own testimony of private benefits from Tai chi. In the past, Denise suffered injuries in a car accident. After 2 yrs of teaching classes, she's acquired a new range of motion in those damaged areas of her body. Like Lynn, she holds a teaching certification that needs the passing of the written test, intensive hands-on training, and hours of practical experience.

For many years, Lynn and Denise taught at various available spots in the hospital. However they saw the culmination of their dreams for that program congeal last October. The opening of the permanent location at 3900 West 15th Street, across the street from the main Medical City Plano hospital, allowed an expanded scope of classes. As well as the three amounts of Tai chi, the duo also teaches stability ball exercises, chair exercises, and SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life) classes. But Tai chi continues to be favorite class, with many participants attending multiple classes and levels through the week.

The beginning class features Sun Style Tai chi, which according to the Center, links Qigong (breathing that promotes internal harmony) with Ying and Yang (a well-balanced relationship between mind and body.) It is especially helpful for those with arthritis along with other mobility issues and is authorized by the Arthritis First step toward USA.4 It had been coded in 1997 by Dr. Paul Lam, a household physician practicing in Australia for over 40 years.

While the concept of Tai-chi is most often related to fall prevention, author Ryan Malone lists a number of other benefits too. Participants within this program were wanting to share their own anecdotal experiences to back up his findings. Some centered on the physical benefits of Tai-chi.

Malone: Improves lower body and leg strength

Paula C: Tai-chi has helped me regain the ability to move from a wheelchair to some walker to a cane.

Malone: Promotes deep breathing

Fran L, 76: Tai-chi has helped my breathing. I'm able to do so much more now, like working in my yard.

Malone: Helps with arthritis pain

June P, over 60: It's easy on the joints!

Malone: Improves balance and stability by strengthening ankles and knees

Faye J: I enrolled my husband, Jerry, and me after several incidents by which Jerry had stumbled and nearly fell. At his age (80+), I was afraid he may have a serious fall. But since becoming area of the class, I haven't seen him stumble at all. Clearly, this has helped him.

Malone: Promotes faster recovery from strokes and heart attacks

Juanita S: With a triple bypass in 2002 and a heart valve in 2023, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, Type 2 diabetes, and hypertension, I truly couldn't see much of a future for me. But because of these classes, I have better balance and strength and increased energy.

Others extolled the emotional and mental advantages of this type of exercise.

Malone: Accumulates energy by releasing endorphins instead of depleting it

Ted B, age 76: I started Tai chi just like something to get me away from home following my wife's passing. Since i have started in November, I've lost about 30 pounds, seen an increase in flexibility, feel more relaxed, and, generally, feel better overall with more energy and stamina.

Malone: Enhances mental capacity and concentration

Sarah S, age 62: My most significant observation is the alterations in my brain. I am learning new things and making new neural pathways.

Malone: Relieves physical results of stress

Mary M, late 60's: Prior to starting Tai chi about a year ago, I was exhausted and stressed from raising an adolescent and caring for my hubby following a stroke. In the past year, I have focused on finding yourself in the moment. Personally i think less stressed and more energized. For me personally, Tai chi was a starting point to taking better care of myself and re-focusing my life. The class got me back on track.

Finally, some celebrated the socialization effect from the classes. According to Lynn, \”Participants form friendships among themselves. They notice when someone is not in class and be worried about them.\” Participants echo that sentiment. Juanita S. added, \”(My Tai-chi) family has solved the problem become stronger, be a better person, and also have meaning within my life.\”

Read more: New $107 million patient tower for Medical City Plano

Like most good habits, of course, Tai chi only works when practiced religiously. The focused classes at the center can offer instruction and socialization, but participants should practice through the week. I've taken that counsel personally and have incorporated a daily dose of Tai chi into my exercise routine of aerobics and weight training. Seeing the pain sensation and disability my mother endured, I'm doing everything I'm able to to make sure that my bones stay intact. And if Tai-chi strengthens my mind and the body along the way, a lot the greater. In the end, staying active and healthy is central to everything else on my small retirement bucket list. And i believe if Mom were here, she would be my staunchest supporter in reaching that goal.

To register for Tai chi classes at Medical City Plano click the link.