A Chinese proverb says, “A door pivot will never be worm eaten, and flowing water never becomes putrid.”  By paraphrasing some western wisdom per Isaac Newton, “A body in motion, will stay in motion.”  

Kung fu, particularly tai chi and the health exercises of chi kung, is an excellent practice for older adults to extend their lives and maintain a higher level of health.  It can be argued to be the best form of exercise as it coordinates a incredible number of body movements with breath and mental focus.  The physical exercises, punches and kicks, forms, grappling, and sparring training produce muscle development (particularly leg and core body), flexibility, balance and stamina.  Like anything, reaping the benefits of this magnitude requires consistent training, but those who maintain the discipline will find this virtual fountain of youth was well worth the investment of time and effort.