I keep saying...

Several trials have shown that exercises to improve strength and balance reduce the likelihood of falls in older people. Teaching t’ai chi seems better still, according to a randomised controlled trial held in Oregon in the US.

Researchers carried out a head-tohead comparison with conventional exercise programmes. In people over 70 who had fallen at least once in the previous year, further falls were 30% to 50% less frequent in people taught t’ai chi than in those given multimodal or stretching exercise regimens.

Whether the benefits will continue beyond the six-month intervention period remains to be seen.