Older adults residing in assisted living facilities often experience higher rates of depression. This study aimed to examine the effects of a program to enhance meaning in life on depression among older adult residents. The samples included 60 older adults living in two assisted living facilities. The experimental group participated in the meaning in life enhancement program, while the control group received routine nursing care only. The program was developed based on Frankl’s theory of meaning in life within the Thai context. The Thai Geriatric Depression Scale was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and t-test were used for data analysis. The results were as follows: 1) The mean depression scores after participating in the program were statistically and significantly lower than before; 2) There was a statistically significant difference in depression scores between the experimental and control groups, with the experimental group exhibiting lower depression scores. The findings suggest that the meaning in life enhancement program decreased the depression of older adults residing in assisted living facilities.
Center for Excellence in Assisted Living CEAL@UNC
Advancing the well-being of the people who live and work in assisted living through research, practice, and policy.
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