Efficacy of aromatherapy for reducing stress among elderly residents in geriatric homes at Gujarat

Elderly residents in geriatric homes frequently experience stress and aromatherapy is a safe non-pharmacological intervention. A pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test study was conducted among 50 elderly residents in Gujarat, who received daily lavender oil inhalation for 14 days. Stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale and mean stress scores dropped significantly from 2.74 to 1.10 (p < 0.001). Duration of stay and nature of admission were significantly associated with pre-test stress. Thus, we show that lavender aromatherapy is effective, safe and affordable for reducing stress in institutionalized elderly populations.