Abstract
Stress can significantly impair the health of older people, who often face a combination of stressors unique to this age group. This study is a stress management and lifestyle change intervention for women 60 years and older. The participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. The 8-week intervention plan included training in progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery, abdominal breathing training using biofeedback, physical activity and nutrition counseling, and cognitive restructuring training. Self-report validated measures were used to evaluate perceived stress, depression, health locus of control, and well-being. The intervention group experienced significantly greater reduction in perceived stress (p < 0.001, r = 0.8) and physical and psychological stress symptoms (p < 0.001, r = 0.7) compared to the control group. The intervention also significantly reduced depressive symptoms and improved quality of life (p < 0.001, r = 0.7 for both variables). The findings of this study confirm the positive effects of multimodal stress management interventions on the mental and physical health of older women. Wellbeing interventions for the elderly should include stress management modules.
Highlights
Research interest in mental health and aging is on the rise due to the continuous increase in the proportion of the elderly worldwide (Baltes & Smith, 2003; Berg, Hassing, McClearn, & Johansson, 2006)
Stressful stimuli act on the central nervous system causing stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA axis) and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)
The remaining sample of sixty two participants that met the criteria was randomized into the two groups
Summary
Research interest in mental health and aging is on the rise due to the continuous increase in the proportion of the elderly worldwide (Baltes & Smith, 2003; Berg, Hassing, McClearn, & Johansson, 2006). Third age is characterized by a significant number of health problems, including psychological and psychosomatic problems. This gives impetus to research that aims to assist the elderly in spending this life stage with fewer difficulties, greater productivity, and better life quality (Gayle, Iwamasa, & Hilliard, 1999). Stressful stimuli act on the central nervous system causing stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA axis) and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Malfunction of these systems leads to increased production of adrenaline, noradrenaline, CRF (corticotropin releasing factor), ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), and cortisol. The stimulation of the HPA axis results in increased levels of cortisol, epinephrine and catecholamine (Chrousos, 2009)
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