Tai Chi: Enduring the test of time

With new studies increasingly cropping up citing the health benefits of Tai Chi, it comes as no surprise that the ancient Chinese meditative exercise is gaining popularity throughout the nation and abroad. According to a National Health Interview Survey, more than 2 million Americans have adopted the practice. 

The residents at EPOCH Senior Living on Blackstone Boulevard have long been ahead of the curve. For the past 13 years, many seniors there have practiced Tai Chi weekly under the tutelage of eastern fitness specialist Bob McManus. McManus has been teaching Tai Chi to people of all ages for more than 13 years and studying it for more than 30.

Blackstone resident Marsha Pomon has become enthralled with the practice and regularly attends McManus’ class. “I like the motion of Tai Chi and the feeling of being more graceful and more in control of my body,” she said. 

Indeed, McManus says Tai Chi appeals to many seniors in part because it’s a low impact form of exercise, yet a highly effective way to increase their strength, flexibility and range of motion. “It doesn’t put a lot of stress on the body, but they still feel the workout,” he said. 

The 500-year-old practice focuses on rhythmic, controlled movement. The goal of these exercises is to soften the connecting tissues in the joints and spine. McManus says this “softening” reduces muscle tension and aids circulation, which is particularly helpful for aging adults. 

“Exercises that soften the internal tissue in the neck are important for blood flow to the brain,” he said. “This helps reduce the risk for stroke and can prevent someone from losing their balance due to lightheadedness.” 

The slow, controlled movements of Tai Chi also help improve balance by strengthening leg muscles and improving flexibility. McManus says the importance of good balance for seniors cannot be overstated, as it reduces the risk for falls. “Balance is a big, big thing. If you fall, it can be the beginning of a downward spiral,” McManus said. Falls are a major concern among aging adults, as they can lead to fractures and disability, compromising their ability to live independently.

Tai Chi’s benefits extend beyond improved circulation and balance. Indeed, numerous studies coming out of Harvard, UCLA and other universities continue to find evidence of this meditative art form’s wide range of health benefits. These studies have found Tai Chi promotes heart health, helps maintain and even increase mineral bone density and reduces hypertension and arthritis pain. 

McManus incorporates reflexology into his classes to further help his students cope with arthritis. He shows them how to strategically place pressure on the hands to help stimulate energy and blood flow.

Additionally, Tai Chi helps many people better cope with stress and depression. This can be attributed to the practice’s focus on the breath, which helps bring an increased sense of calm and well-being. McManus often ends his classes with a short meditation to help infuse the sense of well-being his students have gained during class.

McManus further helps his senior students feel at ease by offering modifications suited to each individual’s ability and mobility level. He said, “Whatever I teach, you can do sitting or standing. Standing is more beneficial for the legs, but sitting is helpful, too.” 

Surely, McManus’ attentiveness to each of his students keeps them coming back week after week. Blackstone resident Connie Cox said, “Bob makes a point of learning who everybody is so he can address each resident personally. There isn’t anyone in the class that doesn’t feel like Bob reaches out to them personally.” 

No matter what age you are, McManus recommends practicing Tai Chi. “It’s good for you. It’s good for anything that ails you, and a good way to maintain and improve your health,” he said. “It’s a very old exercise system that’s lasted a long time for a good reason: It works.”

McManus teaches classes at EPOCH Senior Living on Blackstone Boulevard every Tuesday at 10 a.m. His classes are free and he welcomes all to attend. If you’d like to learn more, call 401-273-6565.

MELISSA BROOKS is a writer who frequently covers senior activities, issues and events.