The effects of light therapy on depressed elders

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Elderly depression has gradually become a severe issue in the health care system. No studies have focused on evaluating the effects of light therapy on the elderly with depression in a subtropical climate area. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of light therapy on hospitalized, depressed elders living in a subtropical climate area. METHODS: Experimental design was used. For the experimental group, patients sat in front of a light box, receiving 5000 lux in the morning. The light therapy course was administered for 50 minutes per day and lasted for 5 days. The control group did not receive any treatment. RESULTS: Depressive symptoms were significantly reduced in the experimental group at post-test but no significant decline was found in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Based upon the results of this study, light therapy could be used to decrease depressive symptoms in the elderly.