The effect of group water walking on the level of happiness in elderly women attending elderly centers in Gorgan: A field trial study

Background: Walking in water is a method that likely increases happiness levels. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of group walking in water on the happiness levels of elderly women. Methods: This field trial study was conducted on ۶۲ elderly women in Gorgan city in ۲۰۲۰. The subjects were selected using the available sampling method and then randomly allocated into intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, a walking program was carried out for ۸ weeks, with ۳ sessions of ۲۰ minutes each week. No intervention was performed in the control group. The happiness levels of both groups were evaluated before and after ۸ weeks using the Oxford questionnaire, which has confirmed validity and reliability. Tests such as chi-square, t-test, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon tests were used to analyze the data. The significance level was set at ۰.۰۵. Results: The mean and standard deviation of age in the intervention and control groups were ۶۴.۸۷ ± ۳.۶۲ and ۶۴.۱۲ ± ۳.۱۱, respectively. The average happiness level of elderly women increased from ۳۹.۱۰ in the intervention group to ۷۶.۷۴ after walking in the water (P = ۰.۰۰۰۱). The average happiness level in the control group increased from ۳۹.۴۸ before the intervention to ۴۱.۱۶ (P = ۰.۰۵). Conclusion: Based on the results of this research, group walking in water increases the happiness levels of the elderly. It is a suitable method of physical activity that is well-received, particularly for those with executive ability. It is recommended to encourage elderly individuals with this ability to engage in water walking.

کلیدواژه ها:

Walking ، Happiness ، Elderly ، Women