Tommei, Alessandro (2018) Exploring the Practice of Tai-Chi Amongst Elderly Individuals in an Australian Regional Centre. Honours thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
This qualitative study explores the experiences of older individuals practising Tai-Chi at a regional Australian centre. Older Australians suffer from many issues including declining physical and mental health associated with aging. Those residing in regional Australia have unique challenges regarding aging, and loneliness is a serious concern for those who face barriers in accessing social opportunities. Older age (65 years and older) is considered a stage where many reflect on their life’s accomplishments. It is also a stage where older adults might prioritise their goals consistent with resources available to them. While international literature reflects a broad range of physical and mental benefits associated with Tai-Chi practise, this is not comprehensively covered in Australian literature. This study explores how participating older persons living in regional Australia experience Tai-Chi and ways they make sense of this experience. Six participants were recruited for this study via an invitation poster and snowball sampling. The data was collected via audio-recorded semi-structured interviews. The subsequent transcriptions were investigated using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Four major themes were identified: (1) Experiences of Physical Benefits, (2) Experiences of Mental Benefits, (3) Enhanced Social Connection and Inclusion, (4) Changes in the Tai-Chi Experience as Skill Progresses. As an exploratory study, the results may contribute to current knowledge about these important areas and identify topics for further research.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Honours) |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology and Counselling (1 Jan 2015 - 31 Dec 2021) |
| Supervisors: | Jan du Preez |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Science (Honours) |
| Date Deposited: | 19 Aug 2025 23:52 |
| Last Modified: | 19 Aug 2025 23:52 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Aging, Tai-Chi, Benefits, Social Connection, Health, Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1799 Other Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 179999 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences not elsewhere classified |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5299 Other psychology > 529999 Other psychology not elsewhere classified |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52826 |
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