The Effect of Tai Chi Exercise and Receptive Music Therapy Applied to Elderly Individuals on Frailty Levels and Mental Health

Frailty has become a major public health issue with the global aging population. In general, severe physical impairments and accompanying frailty in older adults are associated with adverse clinical outcomes. In addition to physical disorders, psychosocial disorders are also important in the formation of frailty. Depression is one of the most common psychosocial disorders among older adults, with prevalence ranging from 6.5% to 25.3%. Frail people may develop depression, and depressive symptoms negatively affect the physical functioning of the body, contributing to the development of frailty. This interrelationship between depression and frailty can lead to a vicious cycle with detrimental consequences for older adults. It is reported in the literature that elderly individuals experience low levels of well-being as well as depression. Spiritual well-being means that the individual is aware of his or her own abilities, feels at peace, is not affected by the stresses that may exist in his or her life, and is not in a state of spiritual turmoil. Poor mental health in the elderly increases fragility. This explains that frailty in elderly individuals affects all physical, social and psychological health components, and seriously negatively affects the quality of life and the formation and management of diseases. Most of the research literature on frailty has focused on physical health. But mental health, which includes positive aspects such as cognition, sleep, social interactions and well-being, is just as important as that related to physical illness and disability. There is a serious need for similar research focusing on psychosocial interventions to prevent and manage frailty. Studies are needed to show that promoting components such as resilience, social participation, and emotional regulation reduces stress levels in older adults, positively impacts mental health, increases healthy behaviors, and improves lifestyle, thereby reducing the risk of frailty. When the literature is evaluated, scientific studies in which music therapy and physical activity are applied have shown that these methods have positive effects on conditions that negatively affect mental health such as anxiety, stress and depression. There are no studies in the literature that discuss relaxing exercise and music therapy together for frailty in the elderly.