Assessment of Positive Psychology Interventions for Elderly Individuals from Gerontological Perspective

Abstract

Studies on elderly individuals tends to focus on the problems of aging and how to deal with them. On the other hand, a limited number of studies have looked at positive emotions of elderly individuals. Positive emotions play an important role in overcoming problems when integrated with prevention, treatment and coping strategies. The positive psychology approach is closely related to positive emotions and works to understand and improve the positive aspects of life. Positive psychology interventions defined as interventions designed to develop positive emotions, cognitions and behaviors and included practices such as gratitude, forgiveness, life review therapy, reminiscence and self-management. The aim of this review is to identify the general characteristics of the interventions used in studies of positive psychology interventions and how they affect elderly people. In this context, the conceptual and methodological characteristics of the studies and their effects on elderly people were discussed by analysing the studies that directly addressed positive interventions for elderly people. In line with the findings of the analysed studies, suggestions for those working in this field are presented.

Keywords

• aging
• old age
• positive psychology interventions