Relationship Between Physical Activity and Cognitive Level in Older Adults

BACKGROUND: Aging causes changes in cognitive function, increasing the risk of memory impairment and dementia. Physical activity is one factor that can slow cognitive decline in older adults. As people age, degenerative processes occur that affect changes in individuals, not only physical but also cognitive changes; physical activity can stimulate neural changes that may permit or inhibit a decline in cognitive function in older adults. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between physical activity and cognitive level in older adults. METHODS: Data were collected using an observational analytical method with a cross sectional design. The population in this study consisted of older adults at the integrated health post for older adults at Gamping 1 Community Health Center, Yogyakarta. Sampling used the random sampling method according to the inclusion criteria, with a total of 100 older adults; this study began on 20 November -26 November 2023. Physical activity was measured using the PASE scale, while cognitive level was assessed using the MMSE. The correlation test results showed a significant positive relationship between physical activity and cognitive level (y =0.222., p < 0.15). These results indicate that older adults with higher physical activity tend to have better cognitive function. There is a relationship between physical activity and cognitive level in older adults at the integrated health post for older adults at Gamping 1 Community Health Center.