Objective To compare the differences in long-term jogging and Tai Chi in terms of neuromuscular latency and time to peak of surface electromyography (EMG) in older males during lateral sudden perturbation. In addition, an effective means to enhance neuromuscular response and muscle contraction efficiency of older males during lateral postural challenges was investigated. Methods Postural reactions of young males, older sedentary male controls (without regular exercises), older male joggers (with long-term jogging practice), and older male Tai Chi participants (with long-term Tai Chi practice) were evoked by means of a sudden unpredictable lateral translation platform. Surface EMG signals of peroneus longus, anterior tibialis, gluteus medius, and erector spinae were collected by an EMG detection and analysis system. Results The latencies of peroneus longus, anterior tibialis, and gluteus medius were delayed in the older sedentary male controls compared with those in young males. The neuromuscular reactions of anterior tibialis and erector spinae in older Tai Chi male participants were faster than those of older sedentary male controls. The contraction speeds of peroneus longus, anterior tibialis, and gluteus medius in young males were higher than those in three older groups during sudden lateral perturbations. Conclusions Long-term Tai Chi practice can enhance the responses of ankle and trunk muscles of older males during lateral postural challenges, but it has little effect on the muscle contraction efficiency of older males.