Tai chi helps fight shingles
The ancient Chinese Tai chi art of slow movement and meditation could boost the immune systems of older people and protect them from the virus which causes painful shingles.
A study printed in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society examined 112 participants aged 59 to 86 and divided them into two groups. One group took Tai chi classes three times a week for 16 weeks and the other group attended health education classes involving advice on stress management and diet and sleep habits for the same amount of time.
After the 16 weeks both groups received a dose of the shingles virus and their immunity against the virus was measured three weeks later. The Tai chi group had a level of immunity double that of the health education group and also reported improved physical functioning, vitality, and mental health.
![Dandenong Mayor [left] stands next to aged care resident and aged care staff member](https://agedcareguide-assets.imgix.net/news/articles/wp/belv__2204.jpg?fm=pjpg&w=370)
![Dandenong Mayor [left] stands next to aged care resident and aged care staff member](https://agedcareguide-assets.imgix.net/news/articles/wp/belv__2204.jpg?fm=pjpg&w=520&format=auto&q=65)
