A Pre Experimental Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Laughter Therapy on Level of Stress among Elderly Residents of Selected Old Age Home, Delhi

Abstract

Background: Mental health plays vital role in older age as at any other time of life. Many old age people find themselves more alone than ever before as longstanding friends and relatives die and family and friends relocate to different geographical areas. The most common emotional disorder in the elderly population is stress. Laughter therapy is very effective to reduce the stress level of elderly residents of old age home. The aim of study is to assess the effectiveness of stress among elderly residents of old age home. Material and method: A Pre experimental design was used to assess the effectiveness of laughter therapy on levels of stress among elderly residents of old age home, Delhi. A structured stress assessment tool was administered to assess the level of stress. Result: A pre-experimental study was conducted on 60 subjects of elderly population in selected old age home, Delhi. Pilot study was conducted on 10 subjects to ensure the reliability of the tool and feasibility of the study. The data was collected from month of February 2020 to March 2020.The finding of the study revealed that pre-test stress score, 1(1.7%) had no stress, 19(31.7%) had mild stress, 39(65.0%) had moderate stress and 1(1.7%) had severe stress and the post-test score was 6(10%) had no stress, 50 (83.3%) had mild stress, 4(6.7%) moderate stress and none had severe stress. The mean stress pre-test score was (51.7) and post-test stress score was (34.4). It was found significant association (p-<0.05) on reduction of stress from moderate to mild stress. Hence, laughter therapy was effective in reduction of stress among elderly residents. The association between stress and selected demographic variables (age, sex, marital status, educational status, financial support, social- support, religion, per- capita monthly income and frequency of visit by family members) was determined by using paired “t”-test and chi-square to establish statistical significance. There was no association between the pre interventional levels of stress. Conclusion: The study highlights that Laughter therapy was effective in reducing the stress levels among elderly residents of Pita Ji old age home, DhashrathPuri, Delhi. Key words: Assess, effectiveness, Laughter therapy, Stress, Elderly, Old age home.

Effects of Thai Chi exercises, and laughter therapy on active aging in community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review.

“…The total score was 145 reflects the level of Quality of Life among the elderly. It has five physical domains, level of independence, social relationship, environment, spirituality, and personal beliefs 75 Few studies used the life satisfaction scale in which 50 scores average to say highly satisfied and not satisfied 66,76 . Elders health status, their productivity, life satisfaction, and economic stability is measured usually with Active-aging scale consisting of a total of 36 items divided into 7 domains that are Self-care, Actively learn and integrate into society, Actively contribute to society, Develop spiritual wisdom, Establish economic security, Maintain a healthy lifestyle.…”