Golden steps: A nursing approach for vitality, agility, and rumination in geriatric clients with depressive disorders through mindful walking

Abstract

Background

Depression is a prevalent issue among older adults and can significantly impact their overall quality of life. While traditional treatments may not always be sufficient or suitable for all individuals, the potential of alternative interventions, such as mindful walking, offers a ray of hope. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of mindful walking on rumination, agility, vitality, and mindfulness in geriatric patients with depressive disorders.

Method

A prospective quasi-experimental design was employed with a purposive sample of 35 clients in the intervention group and 33 in the control group. This study utilized the Ruminative Responses Scale – Short Form (RRS-SF) and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) to measure the primary outcome. The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and State-Level Version of the Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS) were used to measure the secondary outcomes.

Results

Mindful walking significantly affected vitality, mindfulness, and rumination, with effect sizes (ղ² = 0.168, 0.137, and 0.127), respectively. On the other hand, the intervention had a less significant effect on agility, with an effect size (ղ² = 0.047).

Conclusion

This study revealed that geriatric clients with depressive disorders showed more significant improvements in vitality, followed by improvement in rumination and agility. Integrating mindful walking as a part of care plans for those clients would promote their physical activity and mental well-being.