Tai chi 'great for older people's balance'

Retirees enjoying their pension might turn their talents to tai chi as the martial art has been shown to improve their balance, thereby reducing their risk of falling.

Such was the suggestion of the Cochrane review, which suggested that senior citizens who dance at least three times a week can help increase their stabilisation abilities.

This evidence was further supported by the spokeswoman for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, Sammy Margo, who believes walking is another beneficial activity.

She said: "Maintaining activity levels is very important. At home the elderly can practice standing on one leg or the other leg, practice walking and keeping mobile through the house."

Tai chi was a recommended pastime because it requires participants to engage in a variety of balancing techniques.

Ms Margo warned retirees that they should ensure their footwear is suitable for both the exercise they chose to engage in and the climate in which they were undertaking it.

She added: "Make sure shoes are supportive, not loose, non-slip and are appropriate particularly for the snow and the ice."

It was advised that retirees reconsider going outside if the weather was exceptionally bad.

Posted by Liam Tomlinson