Inspiration: Never too old! (Sept 22 '10)

Good Morning Fellow Fibromites!

Someone here told me about a scientific study proving Tai Chi makes a dramatic and sustained difference to the health of people with fibromyalgia. Another member recommended two videos by Dr. Paul Lam, "Tai Chi for Arthritis" and "Tai Chi for Beginners." I finally got my hands on these dvds so I can begin slowly learning one move at a time.

This cascaded into curiosity about self defense for women. I've been learning that not only is it possible for all of us to increase our comfort levels in health - but we can all find ways to make ourselves safer and more confident, too.

Think age and infirmity make it impossible? Check this out:
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Five time winner of the U.S. national karate grand-championships won his division titles while in his sixties having started his training in karate at forty-seven years old because he was double his healthy weight and had heart problems. His speciality was the bo, a staff length walking stick.
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Seems age and shape aren't a hindrance:

"Active people decline at a far slower [rate]...That means that people who are physically fit can lead an active life longer. They'll be able to take care of themselves [better than] someone who is sedentary."

This report also claims that it is never too late to gain the benefits of exercise whether you are looking for muscle tone, muscle building [size] or joint loosening. Emotional benefits of starting an active lifestyle at any age include feeling better from the release of stress and tension, decrease in depression and increase in self confidence. Osteoporosis (brittle bones) and balance problems also decrease.

While Victoria doctor Richard Backus, whose credits include the dramatic recovery of Olympic rower Silken Laumann, is mostly involved with the rehabilitation of injuries, he has found that his work translates well into the special problems of the elderly.

"Much of the ageing we see is not an inevitable process but rather a decline due to prolonged inactivity. We need to reactivate these people."


Even if you are presently nursing an old injury, exercise and not rest is one recommended cure.

"Activity is the key to recovery from soft tissue back injuries, not extended bed rest," says Dr. Kelly Flannigan of Victoria's Summit Rehabilitation. Dr. Flannigan is also known for prescribing martial arts techniques to help show clients how to use legs and hips, and not their back.

Chick, it is wonderful to see you back! Hope you are feeling a lot better!

I agree with the exercise...if it weren't for walking I'd be worse off.

Thank You for sharing :)

Hugs, Robin

Hey Princess it is so nice to see you posting again, I have missed your words of encouragement. Thank you
Gentle Hugs
Shirley