Iranian Journal of Rehabilitation Research in Nursing

Introduction: Several studies have shown the influence of physical activity and laughter in improving mental and physical functioning. Therefore, the aim of current research was to investigate the efficacy of laughter therapy and physical activity on hope and meaningfulness in life among elderlies.

Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with pre- and post- tests. The study population included elderlies in parks of zone five of Tehran city. Twenty eight elderlies were selected with regards to the criteria. They were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. The experimental group received techniques of laughter therapy and physical activity for eight treatment sessions (90 minutes for each session per week). The research instruments were meaning in life index, Snyder’s hope scale, and mini-mental state examination. Statistical analyses were conducted by dependent t-test and SPSS software version 18.

Results: There was a significantly difference in hope in life between elderlies in pre- and post-tests (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the mean scores of meaning of life in elderlies in pre- and post-tests (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: The results indicated that laughter therapy and physical activity had a significant influence on increasing hope in life amongst elderlies. Hence, it can be considered as a therapeutic intervention in enhancing the level of hope in elderlies.