Effect of laughter therapy on the psychological well-being of older adults residing in assisted-living facilities

Abstract

Overview: In 2018, 5.8% of older adults aged 65 and over were residing in assisted-living facilities throughout Malta, spread across private and governmental institutions (Ministry for Social Policy, 2018). Assisted-living facilities should not only aim to help residents in their activities of daily living, but also to maintain psychological wellbeing, which is considered one of the most hindered aspects of one’s life when institutionalized (Kroemeke & Gruszczynska, 2016). Laughter Therapy is a relatively new concept of therapy which is spreading worldwide with the promise of alleviating psychological distress (Yoshikawa et al., 2018). Aim: The main aim of this study is to collect, critically analyse and extract findings from existing literature with regards to laughter therapy and its effects on the psychological well-being of elderly residing in assisted-living facilities. PICO elements: To help guide this research process, PICO elements were formulated; Population – Older adults 65< years of age living in assistedliving facilities, Intervention – Laughter Therapy or Laughter Yoga, Comparison – No laughter therapy, Outcome – Psychological wellbeing. Outcome of the Search / Inclusion & Exclusion Criteria & Methods of Appraisal: A systematic literature search was done in various databases and search engines using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies not found in English were excluded, together with study protocols and those involving communityliving. Both genders were included and no publication date limit was set. The search yielded four RCTs, which were then appraised using the CASP tool for RCTs, to determine the reliability of each one’s findings. Main results / Main conclusions: Laughter therapy was indicated to be beneficial and effective in improving the three pillars of psychological wellbeing; Quality of Life, Mood and Life Satisfaction. Implications & Recommendations: The main recommendations of this dissertation, identified from the findings of the RCTs, are for further research on the topic including other populations and larger sample sizes, particularly locally; recommendations for practice and management as well recommendations for further education both to healthcare professionals as well as the general public. Laughter therapy sessions lead to a more cost-effective, efficient and feasible manner of dealing with psychological wellbeing in older adults at institutions.