A STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GROUP ACTIVITY ON DEPRESSION AND WELL BEING AMONG SENIOR CITIZENS IN THE OLDAGE HOME AT DISTRICT PANIPAT

The Human life cycle consists of 4 stages which is birth, growth, adult and elderly. Aging- the normal process of a time related change, begins with birth and continues throughout the human life. Every individual has to undergo each stage with physical, emotional, psychological and social changes. According to Erik Erickson, old age stage is a culmination of many precious intra psychic and interpersonal changes. Normal aging is a gradual process that ushers in some physical decline, such as decreased sensory abilities (e.g., vision and hearing) and decreased pulmonary and immune function etc. Certain changes in mental functioning also occurs among those depression, and anxiety are the common problems among senior citizens. The Indian aged population is currently the second largest in the world. Community-based mental health studies have revealed that the point prevalence of depressive disorders among the geriatric in India varies between 13 and 25%. The present study was aimed to assess the effectiveness of group physical activity on depression and well-being among senior citizens at old age home at district Panipat. The group activity program was conducted thrice weekly for four weeks, with 45-minute sessions. 5 minutes of joint mobility (8-12 rotations of neck, shoulders, hips, ankles; 8-12 flexion-extensions of knees, wrists, elbows) 15 minutes of brisk walking 5 minutes of strengthening and stretching exercises4. 20 minutes of brisk walking with additional mechanical impact exercises Post-test assessment was conducted after four weeks to evaluate program effectiveness. Data analysis employed descriptive and inferential statistics Results: Paired t-tests confirmed significant reductions in depression (mean difference = 4.7, p = 0.001) and improvements in mental well-being (mean difference = 5.22, p = 0.001) post-group activity. Key words: Well-being, Group Physical Activity, Depression