Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
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Effects of mind-body interventions on depressive symptoms among older Chinese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Authors:
- BOA Iain, MAO Weiyu, LINDSEY Michael A.
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 32(5), 2017, p.509–521.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Methods: The authors searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Chongqing VIP for eligible studies until September 2016. Randomised controlled trials investigating the efficacy of mind-body interventions for depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults were reviewed. Two authors independently conducted screening, and risk of bias assessment. Data were extracted by one author and crosschecked by the research team. Cohen's d standardised mean differences were calculated to represent intervention effects. Results: A comprehensive search yielded 926 records; 14 articles met inclusion criteria. Relative to the control groups, mind–body interventions had large short-term effects in reducing depressive symptoms in older Chinese adults (standardised mean differences = −1.41; 95% CI [−1.82, −0.99]). Most studies did not report the long-term effects of mind–body interventions. Subgroup analyses by type of mind–body interventions, participants' age group, and control condition yielded different effect sizes; however, these differences did not all reach a statistically significant level. The interpretation of the subgroup analysis should be considered with caution given its observational nature and a small number of included studies. Conclusions: This systematic review suggests that mind–body interventions had short-term effects in alleviating depressive symptoms among older Chinese adults. Further research (randomised controlled trials with active controls and follow-up tests) are needed to assess the effects of mind–body interventions on depressive symptoms among this population. (Edited publisher abstract)
Pets as therapy: where is the evidence?
- Author:
- REYNOLDS Alison
- Journal article citation:
- Nursing and Residential Care, 14(9), September 2012, pp.478-481.
- Publisher:
- MA Healthcare Ltd.
- Place of publication:
- London
The use of animals to promote health and well-being has a long history, However, it is yet to be recognised and accepted as either a supplementary therapy of integrated into mainstream care. After presenting a brief history of the therapeutic use of animals as companions, this article explains why the use of animals to promote and improve health and well-being has historically been met with dissatisfaction from health professionals and what this means for residents. The article explores the potential benefits to older people, and highlights some of the research that has taken place in the field. The article concludes that many older people in nursing homes may benefit from well-managed contact from companion animals.
A preliminary study of dream-telling among mentally healthy elderly: no adverse effects on life or sleep quality
- Authors:
- FUNKHOUSER Arthur T., et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 15(10), October 2000, pp.917-930.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
While there have been several studies about dreams and dreaming among the elderly, there does not seem to have been any study of the effects of regular dream-telling (without interpretation). Listening to dreams could become a regular part of caring for the elderly and infirm. The effects of regular dream-telling in mentally healthy elderly clinical research volunteers were measured on several variables using standardized testing and self-report: life satisfaction, intrapsychic boundaries, sleep quality, sleep duration, dream recall, dream tone, and dream epoch, and were compared with two control groups. The six variables showed no significant differences among the three groups, indicating that dream-telling produced no adverse effects. The present findings seem to imply that dream-telling is not dangerous for mentally healthy individuals and may thus serve as a baseline for future studies involving geriatric patients with mental disorders or elderly undergoing significant life-events, e.g., bereavement or retirement, using the method of regular dream-telling.
Evaluation of a laughter-based exercise program on health and self-efficacy for exercise
- Authors:
- KASKIE Brian, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 57(6), 2017, pp.1051-1061.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Background: Despite health benefits of physical activity (PA) and risks of physical inactivity, many older adults do not accumulate sufficient levels of PA to achieve associated health benefits. Lack of PA enjoyment may be a barrier to PA participation. Combining simulated laughter and PA for strength, balance, and flexibility is a potential solution for helping older adults maintain independence in activities of daily living through enjoyable participation in PA. Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study is to assess whether combining simulated laughter exercises with a moderate-intensity strength, balance, and flexibility PA programme (i.e., LaughActive) increases participation in PA, health, and self-efficacy for PA among older adults residing in 4 assisted living facilities (ALFs). Design and methods: The 12-week wait list control pilot study used pre- and 6-week post-intervention comparisons within and between groups identified by paired sample t-test results among those who participated in twice-weekly LaughActive classes (n = 27). Results: Significant improvements (p < .05–.10) were observed in mental health (SF-36v2), aerobic endurance (2-minute step test), and self-efficacy for exercise (OEE). Implications PA programmes that elicit positive emotions through simulated laughter have the potential to improve health, physical performance, and self-efficacy for PA among older adults and may positively influence participant adherence.
The effects of group work with institutionalized elderly persons
- Authors:
- DUYAN Veli, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Research on Social Work Practice, 27(3), 2017, pp.366-374.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Objectives: This research article aims to measure the effects of group therapy on institutionalised elderly in terms of reducing depression and improving psychosocial functioning. Methods: Thirty elderly nursing home residents were recruited, and 16 of them elected to receive group treatment for depression and 14 declined treatment. The Multidimensional Observation Scale for Elderly Subjects and the Geriatric Depression Scale were given to both groups when group work began and again when it ended. Results: Clients who received group treatment experienced reductions in depression and their psychosocial functioning improved. Conclusion: Group work intervention was followed by reductions in the depression levels and improvements in their psychosocial functions among institutionalised elderly clients. (Edited publisher abstract)
Effects of relaxation interventions on depression and anxiety among older adults: a systematic review
- Authors:
- KLAININ-YOBAS Piyanee, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 19(12), 2015, pp.1043-1055.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This systematic review examined empirical evidence of the effects of relaxation interventions on anxiety and depression among older adults. Method: A comprehensive literature search identified studies that satisfied the pre-set inclusion and exclusion criteria. The authors focused on 15 published and non-published studies – 12 randomised controlled trials and three non-randomised controlled trials – undertaken in the past 20 years (1994–2014). Three reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and appraised the methodological quality. The authors then computed Hedges’ effect sizes and used these to represent the effects of intervention. Results: The findings suggested that older adults who received relaxation interventions experienced greater reductions in depression and anxiety than controls in most studies. Progressive muscle relaxation training, music intervention, and yoga had the strongest intervention effects on depression. Music intervention, yoga, and combined relaxation training most effectively reduced anxiety symptoms among older adults. Furthermore, the impact of some relaxation interventions remained in effect for between 14 and 24 weeks after the interventions. Conclusion: This systematic review supported the positive effects of relaxation interventions on depression and anxiety among older adults. Health care providers may integrate relaxation interventions into standard care for older adults in community and hospital settings, taking into consideration the participant's preference and health care policy. (Edited publisher abstract)
Motivational interviewing with the older adult
- Authors:
- SERDAREVIC Mirsad, LEMKE Sonne
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, 15(4), 2013, pp.240-249.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based psychotherapeutic approach to health behaviour change and has great potential to improve medical regimen adherence among the older population. This article provides a concise summary of MI as it can be applied to geriatric patient populations. The goal is to provide readers with an overview of MI, its clinical applications within psychological and medical settings and its adaptation for use with older individuals dealing with both mental health and general medical conditions. The article also discusses how varied systemic and therapeutic contexts (e.g., biomedical vs. psychological) may affect the meaning and implementation of MI. Although published randomised controlled studies on the effects of MI in the older population are limited, the majority of such studies indicates that MI is effective in influencing change in health behaviors. As a proven, cost-efficient treatment, MI should be considered for clinical use in geriatric and primary care clinics providing care to older adults. (Edited publisher abstract)
Clubbing around the Wight
- Authors:
- COLE Andrew, NICHOLLS Ralph
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Care, 3(1), September 1999, pp.25-27.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
This article describes the Isle of Wight's unique travelling memory club for older people with organic mental illness.
Psychological therapies for depression with older adults: a qualitative review
- Authors:
- DAVIES Chris, COLLERTON Daniel
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health, 6(4), August 1997, pp.335-344.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
Qualitatively reviews the effects of psychological treatments for older people with depression. Discusses psychological and social approaches, and looks at studies of combined pharmacotherapy and psychological therapy where available. Goes on to look at the cost effectiveness of psychological therapies.
A therapeutic group in the community for the elderly with functional psychiatric illnesses
- Authors:
- PROCTER Elizabeth Ann, ALWAR Lutchmee
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 10(1), January 1995, pp.33-36.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Describes a closed therapeutic group run in a community setting for the elderly with functional psychiatric illnesses. The aim of the group was to promote mental health and self-confidence and to reduce psychiatric morbidity. Suggests that such groups may be an effective means both of improving mental health and of utilizing limited health service resources, and warrant further research.