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Seniors Learn The Art Of Sit Down Tai Chi To Keep Their Bodies Standing Strong

FREMONT (KPIX 5) -- Falls are one of the leading causes of serious injury for seniors. A Bay Area assisted living home in Fremont has found a way to keep more seniors on their feet, and it starts by having them sit down.

Every morning, the senior community at Fremont's Aegis Gardens put aside their walkers and do Sit Down Tai Chi.

"Rather than the regular Tai Chi, it's the chair Tai Chi," said Emily Pool, who works with the seniors. "So they're able to sit and perform the movements, but not worry about falling or injuring themselves."

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Sit Down Tai Chi (CBS)

This is a modified version of the traditional Chinese exercise, using gentle flowing movements.

"It has become such a popular exercise program that we've even started incorporating some very similar chair Tai Chi exercises in the afternoon because so many people want to participate," said Poon.

Health Services Director Cathy Zhou believes Sit Down Tai Chi can save lives.

"They can maintain their muscle strength and also stimulate their circulation," said Zhou.

For seniors muscle strength is vital. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in three Americans, 65 and older fall each year.

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in older adults.

The seniors who live Aegis Gardens are beating those statistics.

"We found that we have one of the lowest falls in the company and the residents do so much better after moving in," said Poon. "Doing these exercises make them more flexible."

She says Sit Down Tai Chi has dramatically cut down on falls, injuries and greatly improved their health.

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(CBS)

"Initially they might come in a wheelchair and three months later they're using a walker," said Poon. "It's a gradual improvement but it's something that if they do every day, we see them get stronger and stronger."

Which gives them more time to enjoy retirement.

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