Enhancing the Psychological Well-Being of Elderly Individuals Through Tai Chi Exercise: A Latent Growth Curve Analysis

Using a randomized controlled trial, this study examined whether a Tai Chi exercise program enhanced elderly individuals' psychological well-being. Participants either continued their daily routine activities or participated in a Tai Chi exercise class performing slow rhythmic movements. Psychological well-being measures were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months (termination of the class). Latent growth curve modeling methodology was used to analyze the repeated measures data. Results indicated that individuals who participated in the 6-month Tai Chi exercise program showed higher levels of health perceptions, life satisfaction, positive affect, and well-being and lower levels of depression, negative affect, and psychological distress. The implications of these findings are discussed relative to potential underlying mechanisms associated with the exercise-psychological health relation in older adults.