Tai chi doesn’t just help with balance; it can help bring back a zest for life.


Sure, medical and technological advances can prolong life. But if you’re not having any fun, what’s the point?


A new study from the UCLA Department of Psychiatry and Biobe- havioral Sciences showed that adding an exercise like yoga or tai chi can be effective in fighting late life depression.


According to UCLA professor-in-residence Helen Lavretsky, “Depression can lead to serious consequences, including great- er morbidity, disability, mortality and increased cost of care. The study shows that adding a mind-body exercise like tai chi … can improve the outcomes of treating depression in older adults, who may also have other, co-existing medical conditions, or cognitive impairment.” An added benefit: The possibility of treating these conditions without additional medication.


Center members demonstrating tai chi at Branchlands. Providing educational programs, entertainment, and volunteer service in the community highlights resources available at the Center and shines a postitive light on aging.


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