Older adults who practice tai chi are less likely to fall, a small new study suggests.
Researchers said that elderly people who practiced the martial art were more than 50 percent less likely to suffer a fall than those who just performed stretching exercises.
Around one in three US adults aged 65 or older report having fallen - and 38 percent of these falls lead to injuries that can result in ER visits, hospitalization, or death.
The team, led by researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University School of Nursing, says it hopes the findings lead to more older adults taking up the practice to prevent themselves from experiencing large hospital bills, a loss of independence or premature death.
Tai chi is often recommended for older adults because it is a low impact exercise that puts little to no stress on the joints or muscles.
There has been some evidence in past research that shows tai chi can help reduce falls.
