Advancing age brings changes in brain activity that directly affect working memory, such as the ability to multitask, pay attention to detail and quickly process information. Maintaining cognitive health is an important factor in ensuring quality of life and preserving the independence of aging adults. Due to the brain’s neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to form and recognize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning, experience or following an injury), improvements in cognitive function due to age-related decline can be achieved through exercise, stress reduction, learning new skills, remaining socially active and improving focus.
Cognition
Cognition involves the activities of thinking, understanding, learning and remembering. Cognitive, or brain, training is a program of regular mental activities that can help to maintain or improve cognitive abilities, such as memory, recall, reasoning and thinking ability.
Many studies have been conducted showing that the regular practice of tai chi has positive effects on maintaining cognitive function in aging adults. Below are a few examples:
- “Tai chi may be an effective strategy to enhance cognitive health and maintain functional abilities in instrumental ADL (Activities of Daily Living) in older people with MCI (mild cognitive impairment).” Effects of tai chi on cognition and instrumental activities of daily living in community-dwelling older people with mild cognitive impairment (2018)
- “Tai chi has consistent, small effects on improving cognitive performance in both healthy older adults and older adults with some cognitive impairment.” Tai Chi can improve cognitive function in older adults with cognitive impairment and healthy older adults (2014)
- “In a meta-analysis of 20 studies on tai chi and cognition, tai chi appears to improve executive function—the ability to multitask, manage time, and make decisions—in people without any cognitive decline. In those with mild cognitive impairment, tai chi slowed the progression of dementia more than other types of exercise and improved their cognitive function in a comparable fashion to other types of exercise or cognitive training.” A sharper mind: tai chi can improve cognitive function, Harvard Medical School (2009)
- “Tai chi shows potential to enhance cognitive function in older adults, particularly in the realm of executive functioning and in those individuals without significant impairment.” The impact of tai chi on cognitive performance in older adults (2015)
SilverSneakers EnerChi improves participants’ cognitive function by:
- Practicing and learning forms.
- Memorizing flowing sequences.
- Coordinating upper and lower body movement patterns.
- Gaining awareness and mindfulness.
- Paying attention to deeper breathing.