ABSTRACT

The present study was intended to see the significance of Pranayama on perceived mental health among aged. It is often seen that in the present day, fast changing scenario of human life where each and every individual faces different kinds of sources of stress which affects mental health of the individual directly or indirectly both, not only in India but through out the globe. It is generally viewed that mental health is a state of well-being in which individual realizes his/her own abilities to cope with the normal stresses of life. Thus, the present researchers tried to know about those regular practices especially Pranayama – a kind of yoga which may contribute an individual especially aged in progression towards the positive mental health. For the present study sixty aged (N=60) were selected which comprises male (n=30) and female (n=30) from rural areas of Madhubani district. A Pranayama centre was temporarily established at our private home for the period of fifteen days. Initially, mental health of both the group was checked using mental health questionnaire and individual scores were summed up and kept it confidential for statistical treatment. Then thereafter 15 days regular practices of Pranayama were demonstrated among all aged irrespective of sex, caste and religion with the help of yoga trainer. After 15 days regular Pranayama, mental health was checked again using questionnaire. After analyzing the obtained data, it has been found that Pranayama – a kind of yoga helps to maintain the over all mental health of aged. It is very interesting to note that female aged group differs in terms of their perceived reactions on mental health from male aged especially from where the present sample has been drawn for the present piece of research enquiry. Finding of the study has been discussed in detail by highlighting the probable reasons.

Key-Words: Pranayama, Mental Health, Aged, Male, Female, Empirical Study