Ancient exercise for old people

Depression and old age. It’s a pairing that makes sense but is still something to fight. More than two million people over the age of 65 suffer from depression including 50% of nursing home residents. The suicide rate among white men over 85 is the highest in the country, a staggering six times higher than the national average.

So what can be done? A group of researchers from UCLA have found that a gentler version of tai chi done weekly along with standard depression treatment helped improve depression in elderly adults. It also improved general quality of life, memory and cognition and energy. They compared this group to another which only received the standard depression treatment and health education.

“This is the first study to demonstrate the benefits of tai chi in the management of late-life depression, and we were encouraged by the results,” said author Dr. Helen Lavretsky, a UCLA professor-in-residence of psychiatry. “We know that nearly two-thirds of elderly patients who seek treatment for their depression fail to achieve relief with a prescribed medication.”

“Depression can lead to serious consequences, including greater morbidity, disability, mortality and increased cost of care,” Lavretsky said. “This study shows that adding a mind-body exercise like tai chi that is widely available in the community can improve the outcomes of treating depression in older adults, who may also have other, co-existing medical conditions, or cognitive impairment.”

And with the number of Americans over 65 doubling in the coming years, this news comes just in time.

Source: UCLA, MedicalNewsToday