Pilot testing cognitive stimulation intervention on older adults' cognitive function, cognitive self-efficacy, and sense of happiness

Abstract

BackgroundWith the ageing population increasing worldwide, identifying effective approaches to counteract cognitive decline becomes significant for maintaining cognitive health and quality of life in older adults. The lack of cognitive activity accelerates age cognitive decline. Cognitive stimulation interventions can maintain older adults’ cognitive reserve, enhance their feelings of happiness, and potentially improve their psychosocial wellbeing. AimThis study aimed to determine the impact of Cognitive Stimulation Intervention on older adults' cognitive function, cognitive self-efficacy, and sense of happiness. MethodA quasi-experimental methodological approach was applied. Two seniors' clubs were the sites for recruitment in this study as part of the Alexandria Governorate's Ministry of Social Solidarity, Egypt. Eighty older adults (aged 60 and above), randomly assigned into two equal groups. The study group received the study intervention, and the control group received regular seniors’ club services. ResultsCognitive function, cognitive self-efficacy, and sense of happiness scores among the study group, were significantly increased from (22.40 ± 0.67, 54.51 ± 8.63 and 27.68 ± 14.0 respectively) to (24.30 ± 1.07, 87.84 ± 4.96 and 65.98 ± 8.90 respectively) (P < 0.001) following the interventions, and were significantly higher than the control group's post-test percent scores (22.08 ± 0.98, 54.35 ± 6.97, and 28.75 ± 9.60 respectively) (P < 0.001). ConclusionsCognitive Stimulation Intervention effectively fostered the older adults’ cognitive function, cognitive self-efficacy, and sense of happiness. Consequently, seniors' clubs, care homes, and other contexts seeking to apply Cognitive Stimulation Intervention to improve older adults' cognitive function, and general wellbeing must embed this intervention as part of their routine care and social activities programs.