Tai chi found to benefit the brains of older people

Taking up mind-body exercises – for instance, ballroom dancing or tai chi – could help maintain the health of your brain and your body during the later years of your life. This regimen was supported by the results of a new study, in which exercises that involve both mental and physical activities raised the cognitive function of older adults.

The meta-analysis showed that learning, memory, the ability to speak fluently, and other parts of normal brain function benefited from mind-body activities. It matched the findings of earlier research regarding the positive effects of these types of workouts on the brain.

Researchers at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (GZHUCM) went over 32 randomized controlled trials involving mind-body exercises for older adults. Eighteen of those studies covered the cognitive activity of participants who were in good health. The remainder involved patients diagnosed with mild problems in their cognition.

The outcomes of those studies were collated into one set before being divided into groups. Each group underwent analysis for the effectiveness of the exercise. The time it took for an activity to improve the cognition of participants was also measured. (Related: Boost your intelligence AND your physical activity with dancing.)

Ballroom dancing and tai chi deliver the same benefits to your brain and body

The GZHUCM researchers covered several types of dances, the Pilates training regimen, and tai chi. These activities are considered to put both the mind and the body to work at the same time. The study is considered to be one of the first to combine these mind-body therapies.

“We found out that mind-body exercises, especially tai chi and dance, are beneficial for improving global cognition, cognitive flexibility, working memory, verbal fluency, and learning in cognitively intact or impaired older adults,” reported GZHUCM researcher Chunzhi Tang.

He suggested older adults take up exercise regimens with moderate amounts of intensity. Spending one to two hours every week on a mind-body exercise regimen would be enough to activate the health benefits.

Furthermore, Tang brought up