Effects of Tai Chi on telomerase activity and gerotranscendence in middle aged and elderly adults in Chinese society

Introduction:Telomeres are DNA protein structures at the end of chromosomes and are linked to the physical aging process.The improvement of quality of life is closely associated with aerobic exercise,and thedynamic effects of exerciseonphysiology and psychology are evident with aging.Tai Chi is popularly practiced in China.However,findings on the effects of Tai Chi on telomerase activity(TA)in peripheral blood mononuclear cells,and gerotranscendence(GT),as well as the association of TA and GT with Tai Chi,have been inconsistent.Purpose:This study aims to assess TA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells,GT,and the associations between them.The associations among these variables are determined during six months of Tai Chi intervention among Chinese middle aged and elderly adults.Methods:TA assessment was obtained by TE-ELISA(human telomeraseeenzyme linked immunosorbent assay),and GT was measured at the baseline level after six months of Tai Chi intervention.Results:TA increased significantly in the Tai Chi group from 23.75±3.78 u/mmol(preintervention)to 26.31±2.93 u/mmol(after 6 months)(p<0.05).Compared with the TA in the control group,the TA in the intervention group was statistically significant after six months(p<0.05).Compared with the GT in the control group,the GT in the intervention group improved significantly after six months(p<0.05).TA and GT had a positive correlation(r=0.325,p<0.01).Conclusion:Our data illustrated that Tai Chi had a protective effect on TA and might improve the GT in Chinese middle aged and elderly adults.The TA increased with the increasing GT in Chinese middle aged and elderly adults.

The level and influencing factors of gerotranscendence in community-dwelling older adults

Purpose:To study the level and influencing factors of gerotranscendence in communitydwelling older adults.Methods:We investigated 772 community-dwelling older adults in Hengyang in the Hunan Province of the People's Republic of China using a translated Gerotranscendence Scale and demographic information.Results:The community-dwelling older adults had an overall intermediate level of gerotranscendence.One-way analysis of variance and multiple linear regression analysis showed that sex,living arrangements,regular activities,and religious affiliation influenced the gerotranscendence perspective of the community-dwelling older adults(p<0.05),but that living arrangement and gerotranscendence perspective were not significantly correlated.The covariates clarified about 38.8%of the variation in gerotranscendence perspective.Conclusions:Our findings suggest that sex,regular activities,religious affiliation,and living arrangement influence gerotranscendence.These findings can guide the planning and implementation of better practices in elderly care by nurses and other healthcare professionals.