a) Nursing Study Programs, Faculty of Sports and Health Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia
*irmadarmawati[at]upi.edu
b) RS Paru Dr.H.A Rotinsulu
Abstract
Depression in the elderly is caused by a lack of ability to adapt psychologically to problems and aging process changes. Depression is a feeling of sadness, feeling useless, and pessimistic about the future. Depression can reduce the quality of life in the elderly. Benson^s relaxation are considered appropriate in decreasing depression. Aim of this study is to determine the effect of Benson^s relaxation on the level of depression in elderly. This study was a quasi-experimental research conducted in a nursing home. 14 elderly aged over 60 years partisipated in this study. Benson^s relaxation intervention was performed every day for 20 minutes in 3 weeks. This technique performed by deep breath relaxation combined with religious beliefs espoused. Level of depression measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Independent t test was used as a comparative test to assess the mean difference between groups of benson^s therapy research. There were a significant effect (p value = 0.046 <0.05). The level of depression has decreased after the intervention for 3 weeks in the elderly. There was a change in the level of depression from moderate depression to mild depression in 85.7% of respondents. Benson^s relaxation therapy could be an alternative to reduce depression in the elderly, especially for those who have religious beliefs because the focus of this relaxation is deep breathing and praise religious sentences.
