EFFECTIVENESS OF HORTICULTURAL ACTIVITY ON DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Background: Mental disorders such as depressive symptoms are widespread, often underdiagnosed, and usually inappropriately treated. The early recognition of factors that may promote depressive symptoms with the help of depression screening aid can help to plan better care for the patient. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the depressive symptoms and the effectiveness of horticulture activity to reduce depressive symptoms among older adults in selected old age homes, Dehradun Uttarakhand.

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of horticulture Activity on depressive symptoms among older adults in the experimental group.

Methodology: Quasi-experimental approach with a non-randomized control group design was used in the study Non-probabilitypurposive sampling technique was used to collect data, 60 older adults in the age group 60 or above were selected for the study. The subjects were given horticulture activity for approximately 45 minutes once a day for 14 days. Pre-test and Post-test were conducted by using Socio-Demographic Data, and Geriatric Depression Scale. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to assess the data.

Result: The result revealed that horticulture activity are effective in reduced the depressive symptoms. In experimental group the outcome t value was 18.41 (significant at p≤0.05) and control group t value was 3.15 (Significant at p≤0.05). No significant association between the score of Geriatric Depression Scale in experimental group and control group.

Conclusion: This study concluded that pranayama is effective in reducing depressive symptoms among older adults.