Tai chi to prevent falls in older adults

The population in the UK is now living longer, meaning the overall population is ageing. The aim of health services now is to ensure that people are able to maintain their health for longer. However, studies have shown that just 50% of those aged over 65 years reported their health to be ‘very good’ or ‘good’, compared with 88% in the rest of the population (Office for National Statistics, 2011). As people age, their systems gradually lose their in-built reserves, which, in turn, reduces the capacity to recover from illness or injury (Clegg et al, 2013). A stressor event, such as a fall, could reduce their overall resilience and impact on their recovery. This could mean a longer period of reduced function and be considered an indication of frailty.

According to the British Geriatrics Society (BGS) (2016), frailty is a health state related to the ageing process. Physical frailty can be caused by a loss of function and muscle mass (sarcopenia). Falls are an important cause of disability and the leading cause of mortality due to injury in those aged over 75 years, even if there is no significant injury. Falls can also lead to psychological problems, loss of mobility and increased dependence. Around 50% of people over 80 years will fall at least once a year (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2013). Using preventative work and keeping people more active at home are at the centre of reducing falls. Physical activity helps to prevent cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity (Turner, 2014), but strength and balance training is a key component of falls prevention, as it can improve muscle strength, which is important for performing activities of daily living, such as standing from a chair (Gillespie et al, 2012).