Psychological, social, and metaphorical experiences of laughter yoga in older adults: a phenomenological study
Aging and Mental Health, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1080/13607863.2026.2699888
- Dergi Adı: Aging and Mental Health
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Abstracts in Social Gerontology, AgeLine, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, Social Sciences Abstracts, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection (EBSCO), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: aged, geriatric nursing, Laughter yoga, psychological well-being, qualitative research
- Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Objectives: This study aims to examine older adults’ experiences of laughter yoga and the meanings they attribute to this practice through a phenomenological approach. Method: Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 14 participants at a retirement center in Türkiye and were analyzed using content and metaphor analyses. Results: The findings reveal that laughter yoga contributes to a holistic improvement in psychological well-being, physical health, and socialization, while the leader’s attitude emerges as a critical determinant in this process. Participants reported increased happiness, improved stress management, enhanced life energy, reduced pain, greater breathing awareness, and physical relaxation, as well as strengthened social interaction. Metaphorical analyses further confirmed the multidimensional impact of the intervention through symbolic representations related to psychological transformation, nature experiences, and socialization. Conclusion: This study has shown that laughter yoga in old age is an intervention that supports mental well-being, body awareness, and biopsychosocial health. Integrating laughter yoga into geriatric programs may offer a strategic model for improving quality of life among the aging population by enhancing emotional resilience and strengthening social capital.