Tai Chi Shown to be Beneficial to Seniors with Arthritis

Tai chi is one of the best-known martial arts as well as one of the oldest as it was developed around 1670.  It has been used throughout the centuries to help balance the body and mind and recently has gotten positive press for being a good arthritis workout.  In fact several years ago, a study from the Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, found that “tai chi could specifically reduce the pain and physical impairment of people with severe knee OA.”  In 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended a “Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention Program.” 

The Scope, a blog produced by the Office of Communications at Stanford Medicine, published a study in 2018 declaring that tai chi can reduce the risk of falls.  The multi-institutional clinical trial “assessed the effectiveness of two proven exercise interventions — tai chi and a multimodal exercise program — which were compared to a control intervention of stretching.”  

The study consisted of 670 participants aged 70 and older with a high risk for falls based on limited mobility or a history of falling the previous year.  Each was randomly assigned to take part in twice weekly, 60-minute exercise sessions for 24 weeks of tai chi balance training, multimodal exercises, or stretching.  Study results were based on monthly self-reporting from participants on incidences of falls, and then confirmed with follow-up appointments and medical records.  As reported in JAMA, the study found tai chi to be more effective in reducing falls during the six month period.  The data showed “152 falls occurred among 85 participants in the tai chi group, 218 falls among 112 participants in the multimodal exercise group and 363 falls among 127 participants in the stretching group.”  

At MorningStar at Silver Lake, we know that staying active is good for all of us regardless of age.  Along with resort-style amenities and services, we proudly offer a range of wellness programs that benefit the health and wellbeing of our residents. For exceptional senior housing, Everett, WA seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar at Silver Lake, a destination for successful aging.   

MorningStar at Silver Lake’s unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are set in a warm, loving environment with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about the most trusted senior living Everett, WA offers  

Sources:

taichiforhealthinstitute.org/how-does-tai-chi-for-arthritis-work/ 

scopeblog.stanford.edu/2018/09/13/tai-chi-may-help-prevent-older-adults-from-falling-a-study-finds/

Each Year Millions of Seniors Fall Prey to Scams

Each year millions of elderly seniors fall prey to ruthless schemes that rob them of their money and identity.  The sad part is that it is often a result of a senior’s trusting nature or feelings of isolation and loneliness; or in some cases, a senior may have cognitive issues that impair their judgement and decision-making skills.   

Experts explain there are several reasons why seniors are more susceptible to fraudulent schemes starting with the fact they tend to be very trusting.  Our elderly population was typically raised to be polite and agreeable to others, which in turn can make them more susceptible to fraud. Lonely seniors can easily be preyed upon as they are willing to stay on the phone and engage in conversation with a stranger.  

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) updates the public to current scams targeting seniors so if you have a parent or other elderly loved ones who may be at risk, take a look at the info and discuss the various schemes used with them.  One scam frequently used is for a thief to call unsuspecting victims and pretend to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Social Security Administration, or Medicare. They have many angles such as saying the individual has unpaid taxes or their Social Security or Medicare benefits are in danger of being cut off.  They then demand payment (in the case of unpaid taxes) or ask for personal identifying information, which is then used to commit fraud. These impersonators often “spoof” the actual phone numbers of the government agency, or call from the same area code for Washington, DC, tricking the victim into believing the call is legitimate.

The NCOA says there are ways to avoid getting scammed such as never giving out your personal information to anyone but a trusted family member, friend or your professional financial advisor.  In addition, never make big financial decisions without consulting with one of those trusted people.  Also do not give out personal PIN #s, or Medicare and other financial info over the phone unless you initiated the call or know the person.  

Other commonsense advice includes being wary of high-pressure sales persons, never signing a contract until you understand it entirely, and to be suspicious of unexpected announcements of winning money, trips, or other prizes.  Experts say it is most likely a hoax.  Always take your time when making financial decisions and do not give blanket approval to a vendor for medical equipment and other purchases.  

MorningStar Senior Living’s independent and assisted living communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. If you are looking for the finest senior housing Everett, WA has to offer, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Silver Lake. 

Source: ncoa.org/economic-security/money-management/scams-security/protection-from-scams/