Aging Well: Memory and Movement
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Tai Chi

To get an overview of the studies that led Dr. Steven Wolf to his conclusions concerning the effect of Tai Chi on the elderly, check into this address at the National Institute of Health: www.nih.gov/nia/new/press/taichi.htm.

The complete text of the results of the two studies authored by Dr. Wolf and his colleagues can be found in the following publications:

• The Journal of American Medicine, May 3, 1995, Vol. 273, No.17
• Journal of American Geriatrics Society, May 1996, Vol. 44, No. 5

Reprint requests for these articles can be directed to:

Dr. Steven Wolf
Center for Rehabilitation Medicine
1441 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30322

The Taoist Tai Chi Society, which holds classes in about 300 communities across Canada and affiliates around the world, publishes a book and video called Tai Chi for Seniors. Co-produced by TVOntario, both the book and video are available by calling +1 (416) 656 2110.

Aging

A story in the October 1998 issue of Nutrition Science News lists these eight steps to aging well.

1. Eat a balanced and varied diet, low in saturated fat and high in fruits and vegetables. Legumes, whole grains, cold-water fish and soy are especially important parts of a healthy diet. Soy contains isoflavones with hormonelike activity that are thought to be partly responsible for low rates of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and heart disease among Japanese who eat diets high in tofu and other soy products.
   
   
2. Increase immunity with zinc and vitamins C and E.
   
   
3. Protect vision by avoiding excess sun exposure and eating foods that contain vitamins A, C, and E, as well as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
   
   
4. Lower the risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease, stroke, and cancer by limiting saturated fat and cholesterol in the diet and increasing intake of vitamins B12, C, E and D, folate, the minerals calcium, selenium, as well as soluble fiber, garlic, tea and grape flavonoids.
   
   
5. Keep mentally alert with B vitamins, antioxidants, and gingko. Although gingko has been clinically tested only on people with dementia, it may help healthy people as well.
   
   
6. Protect bones from osteoporosis with a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Taking supplements ensures that the RDA is met. Help the body make its own vitamin D by spending some time in the sun.
   
   
7. Boost antioxidants and increase cellular energy activity with C0-Q10.
   
   
8. Exercise. To maintain strong muscles, mix aerobic exercise with muscle-strengthening activities such as weight training. Weight-bearing exercises also keep bones healthy. When combined with aerobic exercises, they also keep weight down. Excess weight has been linked to heart disease and certain forms of cancer.

For the complete text to this story point your browser to www.nutritionsciencenews.com.

Body & Soul is currently airing Monday-Friday at 7:00pm and 8:30pm on PBS YOU.

Program Description
Andrew Weil, M.D.
Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D.
Timeless Tai Chi
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