Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
HABIT Healthy Action to Benefit Independence & Thinking™
Welcome to the HABIT page for people living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and program participants. The HABIT Program is for individuals with MCI and their loved ones to learn the best strategies for adapting, coping, and living their best lives with MCI.
Follow the HABIT page to receive updates and information about adjusting to MCI and combating dementia. Our goal is to connect you with others and provide you with information and support.
This week we want to introduce you to another way of moving--Tai Chi! Many people have heard of Tai Chi, but most of us have not tried it. Below, we review some principles of Tai Chi along with benefits and then provide some written instructions for the movements. We've also made a companion video so you could follow along with the movements in that way!
TAI CHI PRINCIPLES & BENEFITS:
Often referred to as the “exercise of longevity”, Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that practices meditation in motion. It involves a series of movements executed in a slow, rhythmic, and focused manner together with deep breathing. Each movement flows into the next without pausing, to ensure that your body is in constant motion. Tai Chi exercises are ideal for older adults due to their non-competitive, low impact, and self-paced nature. Tai Chi’s gentle and flowing actions promote relaxation, stress relief and a conscious awareness of the present.
Some health benefits of Tai Chi include:
MODIFYING MOVEMENTS:
The majority of Tai Chi movements can be modified to be completed in a seated position. So, if you feel you need some adaptation due to balance issues or physical issues, try some of these modifications as you try the video. In addition, exercises can be “upgraded” or “downgraded” to fit the participant’s current activity level. Types of modifications:
TAI CHI WARM-UP EXERCISES:
This video corresponds to the Tai Chi movements listed below. These exercises can be used as warm-up, cool-down, or “main-course” movements. Although Tai Chi can be completed in any environment, it is recommended to begin on a level indoor space for optimal safety. Once comfortable with the movements, practicing outdoors on less-even surfaces is acceptable.
As our post on physical activity guidelines from just a couple of weeks ago highlights--moving in just about any form is beneficial! We hope you will give this video a try as one more way to keep yourself moving as well as to add to your tools for stress relief. We'd love to hear your reactions or other unique suggestions you have for movement and stress management!
Liked by Teresa, Volunteer Mentor, Parus, Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor, Lyn ... see all
Tai-Chi comes highly recommended by neurologists for any type of brain disorder. It is very helpful for people with Parkinson's disorders. Great training for both the mind and the body! You can find some short Tai-Chi videos on YouTube to try out and see what you think about it before enrolling in a class.
@parus
Tai Chi helps in many ways. Hoping more people will give Tai Chi a try. It helps me some.
Liked by Teresa, Volunteer Mentor, Lyn