Award Date
5-1-2024
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Department
Brain Health
First Committee Member
Donnamarie Krause
Second Committee Member
Jefferson Kinney
Number of Pages
81
Abstract
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.
Keywords
lifestyle; prevention; Psychosocial; redesign; retirement; TJQMBB
Disciplines
Geriatrics | Health and Medical Administration | Occupational Therapy
File Format
File Size
3000 KB
Degree Grantor
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Language
English
Repository Citation
Buenviaje, Lester, "Occupational Therapy-Led Tai Chi: Elevating Perceived Competence in Daily Activities Among Semi/Fully Retired Adults" (2024). UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones. 4961.
http://dx.doi.org/10.34917/37650783
Rights
IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Included in
Geriatrics Commons, Health and Medical Administration Commons, Occupational Therapy Commons