Now researchers are looking at Tai Chi to see if it can prevent other problems. The National Institutes of Health has funded a study that will examine whether Tai Chi can help patients who have Parkinson's, a brain degeneration disease which can leave sufferers with tremors, stiffness and slowed movements.

Tai Chi has been shown to improve balance, lower blood pressure and give people an overall sense of well being. Dr. Eric Tangalos of The American Geriatric Society calls it "a wonderful form of group therapy, group meditation and group exercise."

For the original seeTai chi could keep elderly from taking dangerous spills.