THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN THE ELDERLY

Abstract

Cognitive function in the elderly occurs as a result of brain function and decline. As the elderly age increases, the ability to regenerate brain cells decreases, this is one of the factors that causes cognitive function in the elderly. The physical activity carried out by the elderly in the Cilacap area is farming. Farming activity by the elderly is a type of physical activity in the moderate stage. Inadequate physical activity will result in cognitive impairment in the elderly so that it will impact the quality of life for the elderly and their families. The aim of this research is to examine the relationship between physical activity and cognitive function in elderly people who farm. The research method for this type of research uses a quantitative method with a cross sectional approach which was carried out on elderly people who were still engaged in farming at an elderly posyandu in the Cilacap area. Elderly people who meet the inclusion criteria are assessed for physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) while cognitive function in the elderly is assessed using the Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE). The research results show that there is a significant relationship between physical activity and cognitive function in the elderly, elderly who engage in moderate physical activity reduce the risk of cognitive impairment