The effect of fun games on happiness, life satisfaction, loneliness and somatization in elderly

Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of fun games on happiness, life satisfaction, loneliness and somatization in elderly individuals. Material and methods: The study has a quasi-experimental design. Elderly people living in two nursing homes were included in the study by dividing into experimental and control groups (n=40, n=40). Data were collected using the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire Short Form, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, and Symptom Check-List Somatization Subscale. A total of 15 games were introduced to individuals in the experimental group, and they selected 4 games to play, including bingo, hot-and-cold, word challenge, and matching pairs. Five groups were formed from experimental group who have played games 2 days a week for 2 months. Data collection tools were reapplied to individuals in both experimental and control groups 1 week and 1 month after the games were completed. Results: The results of the study showed that happiness and life satisfaction scores of experimental group significantly increased and their somatization and loneliness scores significantly decreased compared to the control group. In addition, there was a significant decrease in the social and emotional loneliness subscales scores in experimental group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It is suggested that fun games are one of the methods that can be used for elderly to actively age and continue their roles without being isolated from the society.