Tai Chi may do more than improve balance. A new clinical trial found that older adults with Type 2 diabetes who practiced Tai Chi for 12 weeks had better sleep and sharper thinking compared with those who walked or received usual care.
The study included 162 adults over age 60 who also had mild cognitive impairment. Those in the Tai Chi group joined three live video sessions each week. By the end of the trial, they not only scored higher on memory and problem-solving tests but also slept almost an hour longer per night. The biggest benefits were seen in women, younger seniors, and participants with fewer health problems.
Experts say the results highlight Tai Chi as a safe, low-impact exercise that supports both body and brain health. While larger, longer studies are still needed, researchers believe Tai Chi could be a valuable way to help older adults with diabetes maintain memory, attention, and quality of life.
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