Effectiveness of laughter therapy on level of stress and assertiveness among elderly at old age homes in selected areas

Abstract

Background: Elders usually exhibit multiple health problems with complex interactions. Elderly peoplecome voluntarily and some by force to the old age home. The level of stress and depression is more inthose elderly people residing in old age home than those elderly people living with families. Elderly peopleresiding in old age home have a feeling of hopelessness, helplessness and worthlessness. Now a day’s mostof the elderly people are isolated from families.Aim of the Study: The present study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of laughter therapy on levelof stress and assertiveness among elderly at old age homes in selected areas.Methods: Evaluative approach. A one group pre test and post test (pre experimental) design was usedfor study. Probability cluster sampling technique was used for selection of sample.60 elderly people wereselected as per availability and fulfillment of the preset criteria. A modified stress assessment scale andmodified Lloyed SR assertiveness scale was used to assess the study variables.Results: Before administering the laughter therapy, they had level of stress score in pretest, 53.3% ofthe elderly had moderate stress (Score 43-63) and 46.7% of them had severe stress (Score 64-84). Afteradministering the laughter therapy, they had in posttest, 41.7% of the elderly had mild stress (Score 22-42)and 58.3% of them had moderate stress (Score 43-63). This indicates that the stress level of the elderlyimproved remarkably after laughter therapy. Before administering the laughter therapy, they had level ofassertiveness score in pretest, 53.3% of the elderly at old age home had difficulty being assertive (score10-20), 43.3% of them were nonassertive (Score 20-30) and 3.3% of them were naturally assertive (Score30-40). After administering the laughter therapy, they had level of assertiveness score in posttest, 86.7%of them were nonassertive (Score 20-30) and 13.3% of them were naturally assertive (Score 30-40). Thisindicates that the assertiveness of the elderly at old age homes improved remarkably after laughter therapy.Conclusion: The findings showed that laughter therapy had a positive effect on level of stress and assertivenessamong elderly at old age homes in selected areas and improved the signs of physical, psychological as wellas their social function.