Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a multi-disciplinary self-management intervention based on empowerment theory andto evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention for older adults with chronic illness. Methods: A randomized controlled trial design wasused with 43 Korean older adults with chronic illness (Experimental group=22, Control group=21). The intervention consisted of twophases: (1) 8-week multi-disciplinary, team guided, group-based health education, exercise session, and individual empowerment counseling,(2) 16-week self-help group activities including weekly exercise and group discussion to maintain acquired self-management skillsand problem-solving skills. Baseline, 8-week, and 24-week assessments measured health empowerment, exercise self-efficacy, physicalactivity, and physical function. Results: Health empowerment, physical activity, and physical function in the experimental group increasedsignificantly compared to the control group over time. Exercise self-efficacy significantly increased in experimental group over time butthere was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: The self-management program based on empowerment theoryimproved health empowerment, physical activity, and physical function in older adults. The study finding suggests that a health empowermentstrategy may be an effective approach for older adults with multiple chronic illnesses in terms of achieving a sense of control overtheir chronic illness and actively engaging self-management.