The third generation inheritor of the Yang family Taijiquan style, Yang Chengfu, passed away at the age of 53 in 1936. Over the years, this has brought about doubts as to whether Taijiquan can aid in the extension of one's life expectancy. Consequently, the author, after numerous years of meeting and studying with many of the top Taijiquan masters in China, has compiled information with regards to the ability for Taijiquan to promote longevity. The following is based on his observations with these Taijiquan masters.

According to a report from the International Sanitation Organization, the length of human life is based on life style, living environment, material goods, genetic makeup, medical background, atmospheric influences, and various other elements. Among these various elements, "life style" influences the length of one's life expectancy a total of 65%. The practice of Taijiquan is only one component of the complete composition of one's life style. The author has researched the medical and healing capabilities of Taijiquan from over 40 years of medical practice and the instruction of Authentic Yang style Taijiquan. From the following examples the author will provide evidence for the ability of Taijiquan to aid in the promotion of longevity.

The author has had the great privilege to have studied under some of Yang Chengfu's top disciples such as: Master Zhao Bin, who over the age of 90 years, still teaches in the city of Xian. Master Zhao was able to get up in front of more than 50 thousand people to perform Yang style Taiji straightsword at the Second International Yongnian Taijiquan Friendship Conference in 1993. In the author's hometown of Leshan located in Sichuan Province, Master Yang Zhao Xi still openly teaches to the public even though he is 90 years old. Recently the author had the opportunity to travel to Hong Kong to present several Taijiquan workshops. While in Hong Kong the author was unfortunate to have missed the chance to visit with 94 year old Master Ceng Zhao Ran. However, based on a conversation with his disciple, Liao Jian Kai, Master Ceng is still in very good health. Master Fu Zhongwen, who was able to travel and conduct workshops across the United States prior to his passing away at the age of 91, was a prime example for the health benefits that can be received from the continued practice of Taijiquan.

The author has also had the opportunity to meet other famous Taijiquan masters over the age of 80 from other styles such as: Master Wu Ying Hua (president of the Wu style Taijiquan Association) and 94 year old Master Ma Yue Liang (Wu Ying Hua's husband) are the third generation inheritors of the Wu Jian Quan style of Taijiquan. Both have been promoting authentic Wu style Taijiquan for years and are still actively teaching the art in Shanghai. Another example is 92 year old Master Pu Gong Da (president of the Hao style Taijiquan Association) who still practices medicine everyday and teaches Taijiquan part-time. Master Sun Jian Yun, who is over 80 years old, is the president of the Sun style Taijiquan Association. Her father, Master Sun Lu Tang, was the founder of the Sun style Taijiquan. Master Gu Liu Xin, famous for his Chen style Taijiquan, passed away in his 80's. In 1987 the author was able to have studied under the tutelage of the famous Qigong and Taijiquan instructor, Master Ma Li Tang, in Beijing. At the age of 86 he often taught for more than ten hours a day without tiring. He passed away at the age of 88 years old. Many people say that he worked himself to the grave. In 1987 the author participated in the First National Chinese Martial Arts Research and Discussion Conference held in Beijing. While attending the conference, he was able to meet with Master Wu Tunan who was 103 years old at that time. At 103, Master Wu was still very energetic with gleaming eyes and a quick step. Master Wu passed away at the age of 105.

Other very famous disciples of Yang Chengfu who lived into their 80's include Master Li Ya Qian (aka Li Chun Nian) who passed away at the age of 83 in Chengdu, Sichuan Province; Master Wang Yong Quan who passed away at 80 years old in Beijing; and Master Zheng Man Qing who passed away at the age of 80 years old.

Even though the lives of the Taijquan masters described above have had a very hard life, seven of them have lived into their nineties and eight have lived into their eighties. This is much higher than most average Chinese citizen.

There have been many legends (rumors) with regards to the death of late grandmaster Yang Chengfu who passed away at the age of 53 in 1936. Because the author has a great interest in the health benefits of Taijiquan and a medical background, he has questioned the death of Yang Chengfu for many years. While being taught by late Master Fu Zhongwen in Shanghai in 1983, the author asked Master Fu about Yang Chengfu's death. Master Fu stated, "After my teacher (Yang Chengfu) arrived in southern China, he was afflicted with diarrhea and vomiting due to the sanitation of the water and environment. He was hooked up to an I.V. for not very long before he passed away". The capabilities and technology of western medicine was very poor in the 1930's throughout China, therefore the treatment of illness (however so minor) was a tremendous problem in many areas in China.

Note: Due to having no documentation as to the exact age of some of the masters described above, he noted some of the age as in the "80's" without an exact number. Any additional information would be welcomed by the author.