Tai Chi is growing in popularity among older adults.

“They are drawn to it because not only does it benefit with fall prevention, but it also helps with relaxation techniques,” said Angela Castillo, an Injury Prevention and Trauma Quality Performance Improvement nurse with the University of Toledo.

“And not only does it benefit our balance and strengthening, but it also helps them with confidence,” she said.

Tai Chi is a graceful martial art that emphasizes slow, flowing movements, deep breathing, and mental focus.

The low-impact exercise is often referred to as “meditation in motion” as it promotes mental clarity and relaxation, and contributes to peace of mind and a greater sense of well-being.

Older adults looking for a fun way to boost health, challenge themselves, and connect with others, often find martial arts the perfect fit.

The weekly Tai Chi class at Monroe United Methodist Church in Toledo has about 20 participants working to maintain good health.

“Usually we get folks over the age of 60, but we've got some in the class that are in their late 80s,” said Ms. Castillo, who teaches the class.

Jackie Powell, 68, discovered the class through a friend and has been attending on Wednesday mornings since early January.

“When I came the [first] time, I really enjoyed it because it's not intense, it's very relaxing, and you'll notice a difference,” she said.

After her Tai Chi class, Ms. Powell said she feels energized and motivated to run errands and be out and about.

“When I get done with this, I don't go home,” she said. “The little cramps and aches and little things, I don't feel when I’m done.”

The more the merrier

While originating as a martial art in China, today Tai Chi is primarily practiced for its health benefits, boasting improved balance, increased flexibility, reduced stress, and enhanced overall coordination. As a bonus, since it is often practiced in a group setting, it fosters a sense of community among participants.

Russell Harleston, 70, retired from 30 years of human resources management at Libbey Glass when he started attending a weekly Tai Chi class at Sylvania United Church of Christ.

The 30 minute sessions encompass 108 moves and not one word is spoken.

“I had just retired in 2016 and was concerned about staying active and keeping it moving but as I got more involved, I came to realize the health benefits of it — that being both mentally and physically,” Mr. Harleston said.

“And when you think about the mental challenges of learning the 108 moves, learning the nuances of each of the moves, and trying to get that connection between mind and body, those were all positive things,” he said.

Mr. Harleston said he appreciates that Tai Chi offers continuous learning and its benefits have trickled down to other aspects of his life.

“There are always new updates to the various moves to try to improve the health benefits,” he said. “I am an avid golfer, so I think that this has helped me with my range of motion and with my balance.”

“I saw something that said ‘at 70 years old, how many push ups can you do?’ And I can do 31. The average is five to 10. So I'm giving that contribution to Tai Chi,” Mr. Harleston said.

The classes are led by Candice Nyquist and Nancy Frenchel of the Toledo branch Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA. They said people typically come for help with balance but get much more.

“We're probably 98 percent senior, over 65,” said Ms. Nyquist, 72, who started doing Tai Chi 28 years ago. “Most people come with some kind of a health issue. There's lots of forms of Tai Chi out there but our form is geared towards health improvement. This is wonderful for your posture, your alignment.”

Now 68, Ms. Frenchel adopted the art when she was 40, initially seeking pain relief.

“I had been in a car accident and was just managing by going to a chiropractor three times a week. And when I started doing Tai Chi, probably, like two years in, I realized I didn't need to go to the chiropractor anymore,” she said.

“When we see people our age that don't do these exercises, they move so much more differently than we do. We still move like young people,” Ms. Frenchel said. “The most common thing I hear from people is ‘I can stand on one foot and put my sock on the other foot.’ ”

Investing in health

The Area Office on Aging of Northwest Ohio actively works to foster and facilitate accessible exercise programs.

“The Area Office on Aging knows that a key part to living better and longer is getting exercise, that there's certainly some truth to either if you don't use it, you lose it,” said Justin Moor, president/​chief executive officer.

“So, we are working with our partners at senior centers, YMCA and other locations, to make sure that exercise programs are easily accessible and that any potential barriers to getting exercise, whether it be cost factors, or getting transportation to where exercise programming is available [are eliminated],” he said.

“We do whatever we can to remove those barriers so that people are able to get exercise, connect with exercise programs as close to where they're at for as little a cost as possible,” he added.

Both classes mentioned in this article are offered free of charge and open to all ages.

Yvonne Atwood, 61 picked up Tai Chi about two years ago.

“I've been a nurse for 40 years, and I'm very into being healthy mind, body and soul. And I thought, ‘I'm kind of klutzy, and maybe this will help with my balance and just my capabilities of not bumping into things all the time,’ ” she said.

Ms. Atwood attributes Tai Chi for helping her maintain her height and overall health.

“One of the main things is that I watched my mother, who used to be 5’6, go down to like 5’1, and I had already lost like a half an inch. I do an annual exam with my doctor, and since I've been doing this, I am at the same height I was when I started Tai Chi, so I'm feeling like it's helped my posture, my balance and my health and well being in general,” she said.

First Published March 23, 2025, 4:00 a.m.