You’ve most likely seen them at your local parks practicing as an individual or a small group moving slowly in a fluid routine. Their arms float over their heads in circular motions. They gaze softly at a point in the distance, concentrating and breathing deeply with each move. They look calm, focused, and relaxed. They are practicing the ancient martial art of tai chi.
Tai chi is a series of repetitive movements in a very slow and deliberate manner. This low-impact exercise is an ideal workout for elderly individuals with limited mobility. At Aegis Living, we have modified our tai chi classes to be practiced from a chair so our residents can get the benefits of the exercise without having to stand for an extended period of time. Tai chi is based on relaxation and coordination which can have a calming effect on our residents who are agitated or frustrated. And with continued practice, seniors can strengthen their muscles and increase their flexibility through this gentle aerobic exercise.
What is tai chi?
Originating from China as far back as 2,500 years ago, tai chi is practiced now around the world. As an ancient Chinese martial art, tai chi has descended from qigong, a discipline that focuses on the mind, breath, and motion to center oneself. Often described as meditation in motion, tai chi is believed to clear your mind and reduce stress through concentration on each movement.
How can it benefit the elderly?
At Aegis Living, we have seen many significant benefits for our residents who practice tai chi. These benefits have been backed by research in the field.
Benefits for those who regularly practice tai chi include:
But the benefits of tai chi can be felt not only physically, but emotionally as well. Many of our residents come to us feeling unsteady on their feet and off balance. They have a real fear of falling and hurting themselves or perhaps they have already experienced a fall. Ironically, the most significant predictor of a fall is the fear of falling. This intense fear can be very stressful and may deter residents from exercising and participating in activities. Thus, they will lose muscle strength and coordination. Tai chi can be practiced safely and effectively from a chair, taking away that fear of falling. Tai chi will make them stronger and feel more stable, adding to their personal wellbeing and quality of life.
Can dementia patients benefit from tai chi?
Any exercise or workout that gets someone off the couch and moving will benefit the person both physically and emotionally. Movements can be easily adapted by a skilled instructor to meet their physical limitations. Since this can be practiced safely from a chair, it is a great exercise to encourage your parent to try. And some promising studies have shown that exercise can help delay the progression of dementia. If you are concerned about getting your parent into an exercise program, discuss your concerns with their physician.
Can a stressed caregiver benefit from tai chi?
Although tai chi is great for seniors, it is also useful for any age, particularly for a stressed-out caregiver. We know busy caregivers who are juggling work, family, and caring for a parent can use a much-needed break. You will find the entire practice to be very meditative. It can quiet your mind, allow you to focus on one thing, and bring a sense of peace. It is also a great activity that you can share with your parent and practice together.
Where can I learn?
The best part of tai chi is there is no specialized equipment and can be done anywhere. The movements can be adapted by a skilled instructor to fit every age group and fitness level. Classes can be done outside on a sunny day or from the comfort of a chair indoors. It is also an excellent way for your parent to socialize with their peers. Search for a senior tai chi class online, stop by Aegis Gardens in Newcastle, WA to try one of our classes, or contact a local senior center to try a beginner’s course near you.
At Aegis Living, we take a holistic approach to caring for our residents’ mind, body, and spirit. We find that tai chi can be a great way to meet their physical needs while stimulating their mind and improving their overall sense of wellbeing. If our parent can no longer live on their own, contact an Aegis Living community near you and schedule a tour. Our staff welcomes the opportunity to meet your family, give you a tour of our community, and show you the calendar of activities that we offer daily.
Respite Stays & Day Stays give family caregivers a real break—hours, days, or a few weeks—while your loved one enjoys a safe, enriching short‑term home at Aegis Living. Guests settle into a beautifully furnished private apartment and have 24/7 care staff and onsite nurses, medication management, and discreet safety technology (motion sensors, medical‑alert pendants, visitor check‑in) for peace of mind. Each day feels purposeful with chef‑prepared, all‑day dining and 200+ monthly activities—from book clubs and fitness classes to movie nights—plus full use of the community. We coordinate with your loved one’s physicians to mirror their routines and care, so the stay feels familiar. It’s also a smart trial run for senior living: meet neighbors, test services, and see what supported independence looks like—without a long‑term commitment. Choose a Respite Stay when you’re traveling or need time to recharge, when your loved one would benefit from structure, social connection, and great meals, or when you both want peace of mind while keeping options open.
Hospice & End‑of‑Life Care at Aegis Living is comfort‑first support for the final stage of life, delivered in your loved one’s private apartment by our 24/7 care team in coordination with a trusted local hospice provider you choose (or we can recommend). Together, we create a coordinated care plan that manages pain and other symptoms, oversees medications, and provides calm, dignified help with daily needs, while offering compassionate emotional support for both resident and family. Discreet safety measures and a reliable medical‑alert system bring help quickly; chef‑prepared, in‑apartment meals adapt to changing appetites. Families are guided through decisions and moments of closure so they can focus on being present in a peaceful, home‑like setting. If your loved one already lives at Aegis, they can remain in the comfort of their home, avoiding disruptive moves. Choose this level of care when curative treatment is no longer the goal and you want expert symptom control, hands‑on daily support, and a setting that protects dignity and prioritizes comfort, meaning, and time together.
Memory Care is specialized, secure support for people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias who benefit from a calm, structured environment and round‑the‑clock expertise. At Aegis Living, that care happens in Life’s Neighborhood—an intimate, thoughtfully designed setting where 24/7 dementia‑trained caregivers and a nursing team on site seven days a week deliver personalized help with daily living, medication management, and mobility (including Hoyer lifts and two‑person transfers), while gently redirecting agitation and confusion. Days are purpose‑filled with science‑based cognitive programming, certified music therapy, and social activities; chef‑prepared meals are easy to enjoy and dining spaces and cues are designed for memory support. Discreet safety features like secured entrances, emergency pendants with fall detection, and optional motion sensors, prevent wandering and bring peace of mind, and visiting physicians and wellness professionals reduce trips off‑site. Families receive education and ongoing support. If your loved one is unsafe alone, missing medications, wandering, needs frequent cueing or hands‑on help with bathing or dressing, or thrives with a predictable routine, Memory Care offers the right level of care. For milder needs, our transitional Assisted Living can be a first step; for advancing symptoms, secured Memory Care provides the specialized, heartfelt support to help them feel calm, connected, and at home.