Enriching Psychosocial Wellbeing Among Senior Citizens Residing at Geriatric Homes: Role of Pranayama – A Breathing Technique

Abstract

Introduction: Nadi Shodana Pranayama is one of the safe and effective forms of breathing technique to boost the psychosocial wellbeing of the elderly and it will uplift their quality of life too. This study aimed to identify the effect of Nadi Shodana Pranayama on the psychosocial wellbeing of institutionalized elderly, as they have weak social connections and relationships, lack of family care, and financial dependence.

Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in South India among the senior citizens residing at geriatric homes or centres. One-group pre-test – post-test design was used for the study. The elderly clients recruited after a primary assessment and they have received 10 weeks of Nadi Shodana Pranayama (alternate nostril breathing) A post intervention, assessment conducted 3 weeks after the intervention. Carol D. Ryff Psychological Wellbeing (PWB) Scale used to assess the psychosocial wellbeing of the elderly during pre-intervention and post-intervention phase. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS v25.

Results: Psychosocial wellbeing among the elderly who participated in the study was improved substantially after the intervention, relative to their pre-intervention condition ((P < 0.001; effect size=0.950).

Discussion:  Psychosocial wellbeing has significantly improved after the intervention among study participants, compared to their pre-intervention state. The present findings brought out evidence in suggesting the effect of Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodana Pranayama) in promoting psychosocial wellbeing among the elderly.

Conclusion: As people, age their social skills and behaviour significantly deteriorate and change, along with their physical health issues. Older individuals are typically classified as belonging to a "hidden community". Nadi Shodana Pranayama is a safe and cost-effective non-pharmacological intervention to improve the psychosocial wellbeing of elderly clients.

Keywords: psychosocial wellbeing, senior citizens, geriatric homes, pranayama