A Mind–Body Approach to Healthy Aging: T’ai Chi Chih and Mindfulness in Older Adults

T’ai Chi Chih (TCChih) is a simplified Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) practice consisting of 19 gentle movements and one pose. Prior research links TCChih with improvements in several physical and mental health outcomes. TCQ and mindfulness-based practices share overlapping features including stress reduction, improved psychological well-being, enhanced social support, and relevance for aging populations. Previous studies using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) survey in older TCQ practitioners report higher than normative mindfulness scores. Limited prior research has examined how frequency, duration, and longevity (years) of TCQ practice relate to mindfulness outcomes. This is the first study to examine mindfulness in relation to these same practice characteristics for TCChih. The study was designed as cross-sectional and self-reporting using the MAAS survey. The study included 418 TCChih practitioners. Participants had an average age of 72 and were mostly female (79%), Caucasian (90%), and North American (83%). Survey results were analyzed using statistical tools to determine the impact of TCChih practice characteristics including frequency of practice, session duration, and longevity of practice on MAAS scores. MAAS scores were positively associated with frequency of practice and longevity of practice. Findings show that practicing at least 4–6 times per week correlates with increased mindfulness scores, as does more than 10 years of practice. Dispositional mindfulness in TCChih practitioners appears more strongly associated with regular, high-frequency practice and long-term continuity of practice. Findings support the view that mindfulness may develop gradually and cumulatively through sustained engagement with TCChih.