A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Laughter Therapy on Depression among Elderly People in Selected Old Age Home at Guwahati, Assam

Background: Aging is a normal process of time related change, begins with birth and continues throughout life. Depression among elderly population being the most common treatable medical condition and is the most frequent causes of emotional distress in elderly. A good hearty laughter gets rid of stress, worry and depression. It touches the emotional core and alleviates feelings besides being the panacea for good health. Aim of Study: This study was done to assess the effectiveness of laughter therapy on depression among elderly people in selected old age home at Guwahati, Assam. Material and Method: In this present study quantitative research approach was used. Quasi experimental research design (Experimental and control Group).60 elderly people (30 in experimental and 30 in control group) were selected by using non probability purposive sampling technique. The Demographic performa and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used for data collection. Results: The finding of this study revealed that in experimental Group Pre test majority 14 (46.6%) of elderly had moderate depression where as post-test majority 16 (53.3%) had mild depression and in Control Group Pre-test majority of elderly 13 (43.3%) had moderate depression where as in Post-test majority of elderly 16 (53.3%) had moderate depression. There was significant association between Education and Post test level of depression in experimental group. So, the study can be concluded that laughter therapy is effective in reducing the level of depression of elderly. Conclusion: The study results concluded that laughter therapy were effective in reducing depression among elderly staying old age home.