The effects of light therapy on depressed elders

Background. Elderly depression has gradually become a severe issue in the health care system. No studies have focused on evaluating the effects of light therapy on the elderly with depression in a subtropical climate area. Objectives. To evaluate the effects of light therapy on hospitalized, depressed elders living in a subtropical climate area. Methods. Experimental design was used. For the experimental group, patients sat in front of a light box, receiving 5000 lux in the morning. The light therapy course was administered for 50 minutes per day and lasted for 5 days. The control group did not receive any treatment. Results. Depressive symptoms were significantly reduced in the experimental group at post-test but no significant decline was found in the control group. Conclusions. Based upon the results of this study, light therapy could be used to decrease depressive symptoms in the elderly.