Preparation for the Generation of the 100-Year-Old, the Development of a Wholeness Program for Brain Health in the Elderly

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study is to identify the effects of wholeness programs on brain health of the elderly by recognizing the need for brain health programs to prevent brain diseases such as depression or dementia. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Subjects were 10 senior citizens aged 65 or older who participate in life dance classes(experiment group) and 10 senior citizens who do not participate in any leisure or health programs(control group). The physical strength tests and mental health measurement consist of flexibility, muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance and SCL-90-R. The wholeness program was developed over 4 months, during which once a week sessions (90 minutes per session) were held 12 times. Findings: There was a significant improvement in the experiment group while the control group didn't show any significant results. The experiment group is higher physical strength than the control group. The wholeness program had a positive effect on improved physical strength of the experiment group. The experiment group saw a significant improvement in post-mental health, with significantly higher scores for physical aspects, depression, anxiety, hostility, fear, obsession, mental disorder and death. There were also significant results for the pre-post variance in these categories, indicating that the wholeness program was more effective in improving mental health in the elderly than the dance classes at existing senior citizens' centers. Application/Improvements: This study will provide how much important creative activities to improve social skills and view life positively by recovering self-expression through wholeness programs and accepting physical, psychological and mental issues and overcoming them.