Ice-Breaking Game In Integrated Healthcare Center As A Fun Psychological Wellness Intervention To Reduce Stress Among The Elderly

The elderly population is vulnerable to stress due to complex changes in their mobilization crisis, sedentary lifestyle, and adaptation preparedness. Adequate entertainment and support from the social environment like elderly integrated healthcare centers is urgently required for this population. This study aimed to show the stress reduction effect of ice breaking games conducted in integrated healthcare centers among the elderly. This quasi experimental study used one group pretest-posttest design and conducted in all active integrated healthcare centers in Denpasar City, Bali, Indonesia. Seventy four participants who met the inclusion criteria were chosen by multistage cluster sampling. The participants engaged in the group based ice breaking game that consisted of word guessing, movement copying and physical dexterity game. Stress level was measured by the alpha amylase saliva concentration before and after the intervention. Wilcoxon test applied to measure the stress level difference before and after the intervention. The result showed a decrease in stress scores of 17.88 KU/L. The group based ice breaking games reduced the stress level significantly (p=0.000). This study concluded that younger age was correlated with a higher reduction of stress level. This game provided stress relief activities by serving a space for the elderly in enjoying togetherness with their peer, engaging in healthy competition, and participating in the game, hence they could put more focus on the game rather than their life stressors and reduced the stress level eventually.