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Martial arts 'beneficial throughout life' |
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Wednesday, 13 August 2008 |
 Martial arts can help people maintain a healthy lifestyle whatever their age, according to one report.
Writing for the Guardian, Andy Darling says that martial arts such as tai chi can be practiced by many age groups.
Those aged 20 to 30 should still be working on developing their bone mineral density, so martial arts are an "ideal activity" he states.
As people reach their 30s tai chi can become an important activity in helping to produce more growth hormone, Mr Darling states.
The martial arts technique can then be practiced as they get older, he adds.
As people approach their 60s, martial arts can help with gait and balance, while the focus tai chi puts on standing up, stretching, breathing and coordination could be beneficial to those in their 70s, the article continues.
Mr Darling says that a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that the gentle martial art can increase physical confidence and reduced falls by 47.5 per cent in people over 70.
Earlier this week, sports medicine physician Martin Halle said senior citizens "would do well" to practise martial arts such as karate, judo, ju jitsu or tai chi.
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