It's a common sight around the city early in the morning - a stereo plays tinny music in a tiled square as elderly men and women move slowly in unison, their arms and legs bent or outstretched.
Those racing to the office may think it's just a peaceful way to start the day, but new research shows tai chi may be more than a way to relax and keep busy during retirement. The practice may also offer health benefits for those who need it most.
Scientists from the University of New South Wales in Sydney say that of the 53 type 2 diabetes sufferers in their study on the effectiveness of tai chi published earlier this year in the journal Australian Family Physician, those practising tai chi showed improved health and social benefits.
The study lasted six months and tested participants' blood pressure and other factors. The researchers said many adults suffering from type 2 diabetes do not follow recommended physical activity guidelines.
They said: 'Tai chi offers a number of advantages as a form of exercise and has been demonstrated to decrease blood pressure and improve lipid profiles ... [Tai chi] may be a useful introduction to greater physical activity.'
The importance of physical activity was stressed a few years ago when Francine Kaufman, a paediatric endocrinologist at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, said: 'By 2010, more than half the people in the world with diabetes will be Asians.'