A recent study in Iran evaluated the effect of aromatherapy massage with lavender, chamomile, and rosemary oils on depression and anxiety of elderly adults living in nursing homes. The study found that aromatherapy massage significantly reduced anxiety and depression in the intervention group, while it had no effect in the control group.
The study included 40 participants who were randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. The intervention group received 20-minute aromatherapy massages three times per week for seven weeks. The control group did not receive any intervention.
The primary outcome measure was the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), which is a validated self-rating scale that measures anxiety and depression. The HADS was administered at four points during the seven-week study duration.
The results showed that the intervention group had significantly lower scores on the HADS anxiety and depression subscales at the end of the study compared to the control group. The intervention group also had a greater decrease in anxiety and depression scores from baseline to the end of the study compared to the control group.
The study’s findings suggest that aromatherapy massage may be an effective intervention for reducing anxiety and depression in elderly adults living in nursing homes. However, the study had some limitations, including a small sample size and the lack of a control group that received a sham massage.
Despite these limitations, the study’s findings provide preliminary evidence that aromatherapy massage may be a promising intervention for reducing anxiety and depression in elderly adults. Larger, more rigorous studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Implications for evidence-informed practice
The findings of this study suggest that aromatherapy massage may be a low-risk, low-cost intervention that could be used to improve the mental health of elderly adults living in nursing homes. Aromatherapy massage has the potential to provide both physical and psychological benefits, such as reducing stress, improving sleep, and promoting relaxation.
If you are an elderly adult living in a nursing home and you are experiencing anxiety or depression, you may want to talk to your doctor about the possibility of trying aromatherapy massage. Aromatherapy massage may be a safe and effective way to improve your mental health and well-being.
References
- Aromatherapy Massage for Anxiety and Depression in Elderly Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8887855/
- The Effects of Aromatherapy Massage on Anxiety and Depression in Nursing Home Residents: A Systematic Review: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8010355/
- Aromatherapy Massage for Elderly People with Dementia: A Pilot Study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6377331/