Adherence to a Community Based Tai Chi Program for Low-Income Older Adults

The purpose of the current study was to determine factors affecting adherence in a 16 week Tai Chi program amongst multi-ethnic middle aged and older adults living in a low socio-economic environment in Toronto. Analysis was based on data collected from three Tai Chi cohorts taking place from August 2009 to March 2012. The main outcome variable, adherence, was measured by the total number of sessions attended by each of the participants. Total sample size was 210 participants with a mean age of 68.1±8.6. Based on the regression model, older age, greater perceived stress, higher education and higher short form-36 mental and physical scores were significantly associated with greater adherence. Conversely, higher baseline weekly physical activity was significantly associated with lower adherence. Our findings suggest we target less educated individuals with poor mental and physical health to optimize adherence for future community based Tai Chi programs.