A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Taichi Exercise on Depression among Senior Citizens in Selected Old Age Home Anisha V.1,*, Mrs. Femila P.2, Dr.(Mrs). Appavu Santhi3 1Msc(N), Department of Mental Health Nursing, Christian College of Nursing, Neyyoor 2Assistant Professor, Christian College of Nursing, Neyyoor 3Principal, Christian College of Nursing, Neyyoor, Kanyakumari Dt, Tamil Nadu *Corresponding Author Email: anishags4@gmail.com
Online published on 5 February, 2015. Abstract Background Old age consists of ages nearing or surpassing the average life span of human beings, and thus the end of the human life cycle. Depression in the senior citizens is an important health concern worldwide. It is a silent disorder that affects many in the elderly population. Aim This study was to assess the effectiveness of Taichi exercise on depression among senior citizens. Materials and method A Quasi experimental with one group pretest-posttest design was used for this study. A sample of 30 old ages in St. Joseph's old age home, Pilankalai at Kanyakumari District was selected by convenience sampling technique. Data was collected using a demographic data and Standaraized Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale. Analysis was done using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results In the pre-test, 16 (53.3%) senior citizens had mild level of depression and 14 (46.7%) senior citizens had moderate level of depression. In post-test, 13 (43.3%) senior citizens were under normal level, 11 (36.7%) senior citizens had mild level of depression and 6 (20%) senior citizens had moderate level of depression. The post-test mean score of depression 11 was lower than the pre-test mean score of depression 16.17, the ‘t’ test value was 28.75. Conclusion The study revealed that, the Taichi exercise was effective in reducing depression among senior citizens. There was no association between the pre-test level of depression with selected demographic variables. Top Keywords Effectiveness, Depression, Taichi exercise, Senior citizens, Old age home. Top |