Effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation in reducing anxiety among the elderly: A case study from Urban Indonesia

Anxiety is a prevalent psychological issue among older adults and significantly contributes to a decline in their quality of life. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is recognized as a safe and effective non-pharmacological approach for reducing anxiety. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PMR in alleviating anxiety in two older adults residing in a long-term care facility in Surabaya, Indonesia. The intervention was administered over six consecutive days, with each session lasting 15–20 minutes. Anxiety levels were measured using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HRSA). Results indicated a significant reduction in anxiety levels in both participants from moderate and mild anxiety to mild and no anxiety, respectively. Additionally, participants reported increased relaxation, reduced muscle tension, and improved sleep quality. These findings suggest that PMR is an effective and scalable intervention that can be applied in community settings to enhance the mental well-being of older adults.