This study examined the effects of a 6-month Tai Chi exercise program on health-related quality of life (HRQL) in older individuals. Using a randomized controlled trial, ninety-four local community-residing volunteers aged 65-96 (M age = 72.8 years, SD = 5.1) were randomly assigned to a 6-month, twice a week, Tai Chi condition or a wait-list control condition. The Short-Form General Health Survey (SF-20) was used to assess change in multiple dimensions of health status involving physical-, social-, and role-functioning, bodily pain, mental health, and health perceptions. Results showed that, compared to the control group, participants in the Tai Chi group reported significant improvements in all functional domains of HRQL over the course of the 6-month intervention. It was concluded that a 6-month Tai Chi exercise program is effective for improving HRQL among older adults. Tai Chi, a self-paced and low intensity activity appears to be an effective, low-cost approach for promoting health in older persons.

Accumulating research suggests that physical exercise may be an effective strategy for optimizing health-related quality of life (HRQL) (McAuley & Katula, 1998). Several studies have demonstrated a positive relationship between physical activity and HRQL in the elderly (McMurdo & Burnett, 1992; Ruuskanen & Ruoppila, 1995; Wood et al., 1999) (for a review see King et al., 1999; McAuley & Rudolph, 1995). Whereas higher-intensity exercise programs offer significant health benefits (Fiatarone et al., 1990; King, Rejeski, & Buchner, 1998), in the later years of life such programs are more likely to be associated with increased rates of injury (Pollock et al., 1991). Additionally, many training programs require expensive and technically sophisticated equipment and highly qualified staff (Blair & Garcia, 1996). Therefore, a cost-effective and low-to-moderate intensity exercise program aimed at slowing age-related physiological and psychological decline and preventing disability should be considered for maximizing HRQL for older persons and improving long-term adherence to healthy behaviors (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 2001 – National Blueprint).

Tai Chi is a traditional form of Chinese exercise that can promote health and fitness, prevent disability, and maintain physical performance in later life. It is particularly suitable for older adults because it entails whole body weight-bearing conducted in a slow, controlled fashion. Its movements reflect physical skills required for useful independent locomotion including weight shifting with changing center of gravity and turning (Li, Fisher, Harmer & Shirai, 2003; Wolf et al., 1997). In addition, Tai Chi emphasizes the importance of psychosomatic integration for optimal health by integrating meditation and concentration components with the physical. Finally, from a pragmatic standpoint of cost and convenience, Tai Chi is an attractive activity because it does not require any special equipment and can be practiced any time or anywhere, once the basics have been learned (Li et al., 2003). Given the transportation and other barriers often encountered by older individuals, these features should enhance involvement and adherence.