Occupational Therapy-Led Tai Chi: Elevating Perceived Competence in Daily Activities Among Semi/Fully Retired Adults

This doctoral capstone project explored the impact of a Tai Chi intervention led by the occupational therapy student researcher, on self-perceived competence and engagement in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) among semi/fully retired adults at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Using the Occupational Self-Assessment (OSA) questionnaire, the project measured changes in participants' confidence and abilities before and after the participation of the Tai Chi program. The Tai Chi intervention was a six-week Tai Chi program designed to accommodate the physical and cognitive capabilities of semi-retired and retired adults. This program not only aimed to improve physical balance and mobility but also sought to enhance mental well-being through the meditative aspects of Tai Chi. Results from the study indicated positive qualitative feedback, with participants reporting increased motivation, improved engagement in health activities, and a heightened sense of community. However, despite of a trend of improvement, no statistical significance on OSA scores was found between pre-test and post-test. In conclusion, Tai Chi could be a valuable intervention for enhancing the psychosocial and physical well-being of retired adults. The findings recommended further investigation into community-based Tai Chi programs as a component of occupational therapy for retirees, emphasizing the need for larger-scale studies to better quantify the benefits observed anecdotally in this project.