Introduction: Sleep is one of the most important health indicators which demonstrates significant decline with ageing. On the other hand, one of the major problems in the later life is quality of life and sleep. Therefore, the aim of current research is to investigate the efficacy of group physical activity on sleep quality and quality of life in older adults.
Method: The current study is a quasi-experimental study with pre and post- tests and group control. The population of study was older adults who lived in Kahrizak nursing home. 30 older adults selected based on the inclusion criteria. They were randomly assigned to the control (n=15) and experimental groups (n=15). The experimental groups received techniques of group physical activity for ten treatment sessions (60 minutes, two sessions per week). Statistical analysis conducted by analysis of covariance. The research instruments were Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Quality of life (SF-36).
Results: The findings of the covariance’s analysis indicated that there is a significantly difference in sleep quality between older adults in pre and post-test (p= 0.001). Also, it was observed significantly difference between mean’s scores of quality of life among older adults in pre and post-tests (p= 0.001).
Conclusion: Group physical activities have meaningful positive effects on sleep quality and quality of life in older adults. Hence, Physical exercise could be considered by psychologists in nursing homes, as an alternative or complementary approach to existing therapies for sleep problems among older adults.