Tai Chi (TC) for older adults: improving physical and psychological health and identifying and overcoming cultural/ethnic barriers to participation

Tamim Hala1, Weir Patricia Lynn2, Ardern Chris1, Baker Joseph1, Ritvo Paul1 1 York University, 2 University of Windsor
SRG 2008

Français

2009

Tai Chi (TC), a traditional Chinese exercise, has been shown to have beneficial effects on
cardio-respiratory function, health-related fitness, musculoskeletal function, balance and flexibility, posture control capacity, and functional status of elderly participants. Research concerning TC and North American populations is still in its infancy with respect to its potential impact. Prior to initiating a TC intervention, we conducted focus groups to e xamine and assess the factors influencing enrolment in a locally-offered four month long TC program among older adults from ethnic backgrounds not normally exposed to TC .

The study targeted community dwelling older adults residing within the Jane-Finch district
of Toronto. Efforts focused on recruiting from local grocery stores, shopping malls,
and residential buildings in the area. Initial subjects lived in one of the high-rise buildings that housed a higher percentage of the targeted ethnic seniors.

Two separate focus groups, one for women (n=21) and one for men (n=18) were conducted. Participants were mainly of Guyanese and South Asian background. Results showed that men attended as individuals and did not network as much as the women did. However, men provided much more information on their needs and were more vocal when asked specific questions. The majority of the participants were interested in enrolling in a TC program mainly for health reasons and s ocial networking. Participants suggested recruiting participants for a TC program through word of mouth/friends and family participating methods. Neither group showed any preference for gender-specific TC classes. The main barrier was the location where the TC classes would occur and the distance to be travelled . From these focus groups 95% of the women and 80% of the men decided to participate in the TC program. These subjects networked among their peers to self recruit for the program.

Focus groups were not only valuable for identifying the factors influencing older adults
in participating in TC program but for direct recruitment for the study.

 

2008

Tai Chi (TC), a traditional Chinese exercise, has been shown to have beneficial effects on cardio-respiratory function, health-related fitness, musculoskeletal function, balance and flexibility, posture control capacity, and functional status of elderly participants. TC is an activity that can be incorporated into community programs, senior center activities or senior nursing homes to promote the wellbeing of community dwelling elders. The requirements of TC do not involve expensive equipment and are limited to a good TC master and an available space where the exercise can take place. In general, TC is a widely practiced, well received exercise in large populations in China. Research concerning TC and North American populations is still in its infancy with respect to its potential uptake. For example, some individuals may view the activity as too "foreign". Such ethno-cultural barriers might seriously reduce TC acceptance. Yet, we believe TC programs can be adapted beyond these hypothesized problems. Demonstration of this is an important goal of this study.

The objectives of the study are to: 1) Examine and assess the factors influencing older adults in terms of enrolment in a locally-offered TC program, with special sensitivity to any ethnoculturally-based issues that arise, 2) Examine TC intervention effects in terms of improved fitness and psychological wellbeing, 3) Examine and assess factors affecting sustained participation in TC.

The study targets community dwelling older adults (aged 55+) residing within the Jane-Finch community of Toronto, Ontario. Specifically, the study focuses on the three distinct ethnicities; Chinese, Canadian, and South Asian. Based on this study, attractive TC programs that specifically target the interests and concerns of these diverse cultural groups would be created. If this study is successful in improving both the fitness and psychological well-being of older adults, this type of program, if widely disseminated, can considerably benefit the health care system and older adults in Canada.

Contact us | Read our Policies | Terms and Conditions | Copyright © SIRC