Introduction: Depression is a chronic and recurrent mental disorder characterized by low mood, loss of interest and pleasure as well as decreased energy. Depression is particulary common in older adults, when emotional sensitivity is heightened. Aging results in significant loss, not only in terms of emotions, but also in terms of physical condition and social status. Depression is most often treated with a combination of psychotherapy and pharmacological treatment, but due to ineffectiveness in some individuals, more and more attention has recently been paid to alternative methods. One of these alternatives are different meditative movement therapies Purpose: The purpose of the diploma work is to present, based on a review of professional and scientific literature, the influence of meditative movement therapies on depression in older adults. Methods: In the preparation of the diploma work, a descriptive method was employed, involving a review and analysis of professional and scientific literature. The literature search was conducted through remote access to electronic databases including PubMed, PEDro and Science Direct. The literature review included studies published in English after 2010, which investigated the effects of meditative movement therapies on depression in older adults. Results: Six studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the literature review. A total of 497 participants were involved in these studies, divided into control and experimental groups. The exercise programs included yoga, tai chi, or qi gong and lasted from 8 weeks to 6 months. In two studies, the control group engaged in regular daily activities, while one study provided health education, and another study implemented a newspaper reading program. Statistically significant reductions in depression were observed in five studies. Discussion and conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that engaging in meditative movement therapies can contribute to the reduction of depression in older adults. Positive effects on depression were observed in all three observed forms of therapy (yoga, tai chi, and qi gong). The exercise is safe and has no adverse side effects. In addition to depression, some studies also noted improvements in sleep and consequent better mental health.
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