The socialization of older adults with depression in Group Qigong training, - Taijiquan, Baduanjin, Yi Jin Jing

The demographic processes of population aging in developed countries are associated with problems of social deprivation of lonely elderly people. Centuries of experience in the use of traditional Chinese qigong gymnastics testifies to its beneficial effects on physical and mental health. Therefore, the scientific substantiation of the use of Qigong gymnastics for the socialization and prevention of depression in older people is a relevant area of research. The purpose of the study is to examine the effects of Qigong training in a group on the socialization of older adults with symptoms of depression. The dynamics of the mental states of elderly people with symptoms of depression were compared, of which 247 participants practiced Qigong gymnastics, and 238 participants did not practice Qigong. Research methods included: a clinical questionnaire for identifying and assessing neurotic conditions; a test for diagnosing the level of social frustration (Fetiskin); a test for measuring anxiety (the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale); the Well-being, Activity, Mood (WAM) questionnaire; self-reporting measures of emotional states (A. Wessman, D. Ricks). The results of the study showed that anxiety-depressive symptoms and bad mood in older people lead to a subjective deterioration in physical well-being and a decrease in social activity. Group Qigong training was found to be effective in reducing depressive symptoms in older adults and improving their social functioning, supporting the study’s hypothesis. It was concluded that Qigong classes in a group have a positive effect on the emotional life of older people and contribute to their socialization. This conclusion allows the authors to recommend Qigong fitness exercises for inclusion in the system of psychological measures for geriatric depression. Future studies will examine how gender influences the effectiveness of tools for preventing depression and compare the effectiveness of Qigong training in a group versus in isolation using virtual reality.