Exercise for the Old 背景知识(background info)

1. tai chi: The following is some information about tai chi chuan. For more information, please follow the links at http://dmoz.org/Sports/Martial_Arts/Kung_Fu/Tai_Chi/.
    
    Multiple uses of tai chi chuan: tai chi chuan is a centuries old Chinese self-defense discipline for health, relaxation, meditation, and self-cultivation. Sometimes called Chinese or Taoist yoga, it emphasizes relaxation and inner calm rather than strength. It can be learned by anyone, regardless of age, sex, or athletic ability. It is practiced slowly and evenly in circular patterns. It improves circulation, balance, and helps relaxation, as well as to serving to strengthen the nervous system. The stretching movements make the body limber, tone up muscles and help release tension. Practitioners find that it creates a sense of well-being. As meditation, tai chi chuan is a way of harmonizing body and mind dynamically. It fosters an inner quiet that nourishes a continuing awareness. It blends easily with other kinds of meditation. As a martial art, it is one of the inner schools based on yielding and cultivating inner energies. 


2. China: Visit http://www.chinapage.com, and you would be able to enjoy the Chinese culture, including interactive topics on classical Chinese art, calligraphy, poetry, history, literature, painting, philosophy, and martial arts.


3. National Institute on Aging: See http://www.nia.nih.gov for information about this organization.


4. National Institute of Nursing Research: See http://www.nih.gov/ninr for information about this organization.


5. Washington University in St. Louis: For information about this university, please visit http://www.biostat.wustl.edu/.


6. The Journal of the American Medical Association: Shortened to JAMA, the journal began publication in 1883, — and is an international peer-reviewed general medical journal. The journal’s website is at http://jama.ama-assn.org.


7. Yale University School of Medicine: Since its founding in 1810, the Yale University School of Medicine has been educating leaders in research, medical education and patient care. Its missions are to expand knowledge in the basic and clinical sciences and public health, to provide excellent health care and cutting-edge therapies, and to serve the local community. See http://info.med.yale.edu/ysm for more information about the school.