Tai Chi and well-being of Taiwanese community-dwelling elders

Tai Chi has been widely practiced by elders in Taiwan and other countries. Yet, there is limited scientific evidence to demonstrate its effects on the well-being of elders. The purpose of this cross-sectional, comparative study was to compare the differences on physical well-being (physical health status, blood pressure, and the occurrence of falls) and psychological well-being (mental health status and mood states) of Taiwanese community-dwelling elders who had practiced Tai Chi for one year or longer and those who did not practice Tai Chi or exercise. Eighty Taiwanese community-dwelling elders (40 of whom practiced Tai Chi and 40 who did not), aged 65 and over, matched on age, gender, and reported number and types of chronic illnesses, were recruited. Results showed that subjects who practiced Tai Chi had better physical and mental health statuses, lower blood pressure, fewer falls within the past year, less mood disturbance, and more positive mood states than those who did not practice Tai Chi (all p values < .05). Findings provide a basis for using Tai Chi as a therapeutic intervention and incorporating Tai Chi into community programs to promote well-being of community-dwelling elders.