Elders in assisted living facilities are exposed to many stressors, so the gerontological nurse
has an important role to implement many strategies and techniques. Progressive muscle relaxation
(PMR) is the most effective technique used to reduce high blood pressure, stress and anxiety.
Objective: Determine the effect of PMR technique on blood pressure, anxiety and stress among elders
in assisted living facilities. Setting: The study was conducted in three governmental homes Dar El
Hanna, Dar El Wedad, and Dar El Hedaya. Subjects: They comprised 60 residents. These were
divided into two equal groups: study 30 and control 30. Tools: Four tools were used to collect the
data: Mini Mental Scale Examination, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale and Older
adults Socio-demographic and Clinical Data Structured Interview Schedule. Results: A significant
difference was observed between the mean scores of BP, anxiety and stress levels of elders in the study
and control groups after the implementation of the program. Conclusion: PMR technique has a
positive effect on controlling blood pressure, anxiety and stress among older adults.
Recommendations: The gerontological nurse should teach, encourage and motivate elders to perform
PMR.