An intervention to increase the wellbeing of older people. Background

Abstract

Research has shown that happiness and well-being play a critical role in the health of the elderly. Therefore programs based on positive psychology include any of these variables to improve their quality of life by preventing and reducing the occurrence of emotional disorders. Objectives. Prove if an intervention based on Autobiographical Memory, Forgiveness, Gratitude and Sense of Humor will increase the quality of life in institutionalized elderly. Method. A quasi-experimental design with pre and post intervention measures were used. Participants. Twenty institutionalized people aged 65 years. Instruments. Measures were taken for depression, anxiety, happiness, life satisfaction, autobiographical memory and cognitive impairment by administering questionnaires. Procedure. After obtained informed consent, questionnaires were administered in an individual interview and the purpose of the intervention was explained. The duration of the program was eleven weeks and once completed, were reevaluated participants. Results. The intervention has been effective in producing an increase in the welfare of the elderly. Conclusions. The proposed intervention is revealed as one effective new tool easy to use and inexpensive to allow to improve the quality of life and emotional disorders of the elderly.