The Effect of Music on the Happiness of Turkmen Elderly Turkman in Day Care Centers

Zahra  Sabzi; Razieh  Saffar; Fatemeh  Mehravar; Hamideh  Mancheri

doi:10.18502/ehj.v10i2.17362

Zahra Sabzi Nursing Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
Razieh Saffar School of Nursing and Midwifery, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
Fatemeh Mehravar Ischemic Disorders Research Center, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
Hamideh Mancheri Nursing Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ehj.v10i2.17362

Keywords: Music, Happiness, Aged, Day Care Center

Abstract

Introduction: Happiness is essential for all age groups, particularly the elderly. This study aimed to investigate the impact of music on the happiness levels of elderly Turkman individuals residing in Day Care Centers in Bandar Turkman and Gomishan cities, Golestan province, Iran, in 2023.

Methods: A quasi-experimental, before-and-after design was employed, involving 74 elderly participants from two day care centers in Golestan province. Of the total elderly population in day care centers in Bandar Turkman and Gomishan cities (95 people), 37 people from Bandar Turkman (intervention group) and 37 people from Gomishan (control group) were selected and entered into the study based on the inclusion criteria using convenience sampling. Group matching was conducted based on gender. Happiness was assessed using the Oxford Happiness Inventory at the beginning and end of the intervention for both groups. The intervention consisted of 12 group music therapy sessions, each lasting 45-50 minutes, three times a week, involving the playing of happy Turkman music. Data analysis were performed using SPSS version 26, including Chi-square, Pearson correlation, and independent t-tests.

Results: The mean happiness score post-intervention was significantly higher in the intervention group (70.51 ± 8.17) compared to the control group (28.43 ± 6.93) (p < 0.05). Additionally, a significant increase in mean happiness scores was observed within the intervention group before and after the intervention (p < 0.05). The impact of music intervention on happiness varied based on factors such as marital status (p < 0.05), employment status (p < 0.05), education level (p < 0.05), and gender (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Given the positive influence of music on the happiness of elderly individuals, music therapy can be a valuable tool to enhance their mental health. To promote active and joyful aging, it is recommended that elderly care center administrators incorporate authorized and local music into their programs.