The following inclusion criteria were used to select the
sample:
• Aged 65 years;
• Being orientated to time, time and place;
• Having no cognitive, affective, verbal or aural
impairments;
• Not using a relaxation therapy technique before and
during the conduct of the study;
• Having no substance abuse and opium addiction;
• Being hospitalized for at least one night before the
surgical procedure; and
• Being able to communicate in Persian and having the
willingness to participate in this study.