Effects of group physical and social activities on the morale, mental alertness, and self-esteem of geriatric residents in nursing homes

The purpose of this study was to determine whether physical activity performed in a group setting affects morale, mental alertness, and self-esteem of the geriatric nursing home resident. Residents in four nursing homes were randomly assigned to one of the three treatment groups: physical activity group, social activity group, and control group. The scales administered before and after treatment were the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale, Thurstone Test of Mental Alertness, Self-Esteem Inventory, and Physical Classification Scale. Both the physical activity and social activity programs significantly increased morale in the residents; however, there were no significant difference between the effects of the physical activity and social activity groups on the variable. The physical activity program significantly increased the self-esteem of the residents, but the social activity group did not. There were no significant increases in mental alertness or physical classification in either the physical activity or social activity groups.