Barriers and Promoters for Enrollment to a Community-Based Tai Chi Program for Older, Low-Income, and Ethnically Diverse Adults

Abstract

Background: Low-income, ethnically diverse, older adults may be at greater health risk owing to their lower activity levels and potential cultural barriers to physical activity (PA) programs. To explore the specific barriers and promoters to enrollment to a 16-week Tai Chi (TC) program, we interviewed 87 lower socioeconomic older adults from multiple ethnic backgrounds before the initiation of a TC program. Method: Semistructured qualitative focus group interviews were conducted with questions focused on themes of barriers and promoters to enrollment in a TC program that might or might not be culturally or gender related. Results: Important issues emerged that covered six categories. Categories included physical and mental health, time of day, socialization, program pairing, accessibility, and appropriate leadership/teacher. Conclusion: This information may have value for tailoring future PA programming in the community that could lead to improved health outcomes through better enrollment and increased participation in PA and exercise.