For the elderly, exercise can help to restore physical and mental calm, delay premature-aging and accelerate interpersonal interaction. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the simplified Tai-Chi exercise program (STEP) in promoting the physical and mental health of the urban elderly. Seventy-five older adults volunteered to participate in this study and were divided into a Tai-Chi group (n=39), and a control group (n=36). Data were collected four times: at baseline, fourth week, eighth week, and 12th-week after intervention started. The results revealed that Tai-Chi participants reported greater improvements in self-actualization of physical (p<.001) and mental health (p=.040) than the control group. The effects of physical performance included enhancing cardio-respiratory function, body flexibility, muscular strength, and balance. The research outcomes support the value of STEP exercise in health promotion for the urban elderly. For seniors who are accustomed to an inactive lifestyle, we recommend STEP as an easy-to-perform exercise, from which a maximum level of physical benefits can be derived through a minimal level of physical movements, which can in turn serve as a motivator for regular exercise.
For the elderly, exercise can help to restore physical and mental calm, delay premature-aging and accelerate interpersonal interaction. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the simplified Tai-Chi exercise program (STEP) in promoting the physical and mental health of the urban elderly. Seventy-five older adults volunteered to participate in this study and were divided into a Tai-Chi group (n=39), and a control group (n=36). Data were collected four times: at baseline, fourth week, eighth week, and 12th-week after intervention started. The results revealed that Tai-Chi participants reported greater improvements in self-actualization of physical (p<.001) and mental health (p=.040) than the control group. The effects of physical performance included enhancing cardio-respiratory function, body flexibility, muscular strength, and balance. The research outcomes support the value of STEP exercise in health promotion for the urban elderly. For seniors who are accustomed to an inactive lifestyle, we recommend STEP as an easy-to-perform exercise, from which a maximum level of physical benefits can be derived through a minimal level of physical movements, which can in turn serve as a motivator for regular exercise.