Upaya pencegahan penurunan fungsi kognitif pada lansia melalui senam otak

Abstract

Abstrak

Peningkatan angka harapan hidup di Indonesia berkontribusi terhadap bertambahnya jumlah lansia dan meningkatnya risiko penyakit degeneratif, termasuk penurunan fungsi kognitif. World Health Organization menyebutkan bahwa gangguan kognitif dan demensia merupakan salah satu penyebab utama disabilitas dan ketergantungan pada lansia secara global. Penurunan fungsi kognitif tidak hanya memengaruhi kualitas hidup individu, tetapi juga meningkatkan beban keluarga dan sistem kesehatan. Kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini bertujuan meningkatkan pengetahuan lansia tentang pencegahan penurunan fungsi kognitif dan kemampuan dalam mempraktikkan senam otak (Brain Gym). Dalam jangka panjang, kegiatan ini diharapkan dapat menginisiasi stimulasi kognitif berkelanjutan untuk mendukung kemandirian dan kualitas hidup lansia. Kegiatan dilaksanakan di RW 04 Kelurahan Kasin, Kecamatan Klojen, Kota Malang, dengan melibatkan 20 lansia. Berdasarkan analisis situasi, permasalahan mitra meliputi keterbatasan pengetahuan tentang pencegahan penurunan fungsi kognitif, belum tersedianya program stimulasi kognitif, serta risiko meningkatnya ketergantungan lansia di masa mendatang. Intervensi meliputi penyuluhan kesehatan tentang pemeliharaan fungsi kognitif, pelatihan Brain Gym, pendampingan, dan pemberdayaan komunitas. Kegiatan dilaksanakan dalam tiga kali pertemuan. Evaluasi dilakukan melalui pre-test dan post-test pengetahuan, observasi kemampuan praktik, serta umpan balik peserta. Hasil menunjukkan peningkatan nilai rata-rata pengetahuan dari 68,00 menjadi 90,50. Kemampuan mempraktikkan Brain Gym juga meningkat dari 47,50 menjadi 81,25, dengan 85% lansia mampu mempraktikkannya secara mandiri. Kegiatan ini menunjukkan bahwa edukasi dan pelatihan Brain Gym dapat meningkatkan pengetahuan serta keterampilan lansia dalam mendukung pemeliharaan fungsi kognitif.

Kata kunci: fungsi kognitif; lansia; senam otak.

Abstract

Increasing life expectancy in Indonesia has contributed to a growing older adult population and a higher risk of degenerative diseases, including cognitive decline. The World Health Organization identifies cognitive impairment and dementia as major causes of disability and dependency among older adults worldwide. Cognitive decline not only affects individual quality of life but also increases the burden on families and healthcare systems. This community service program aimed to improve older adults’ knowledge regarding the prevention of cognitive decline and their ability to perform Brain Gym exercises. In the long term, the program was expected to initiate sustainable cognitive stimulation activities to support independence and quality of life among older adults. The program was conducted in RW 04, Kasin Urban Village, Klojen District, Malang City, Indonesia, involving 20 older adults. Based on a situational analysis, the identified community needs included limited knowledge regarding the prevention of cognitive decline, the absence of cognitive stimulation programs, and the potential for increased dependency among older adults in the future. The interventions included health education on maintaining cognitive function, Brain Gym training, mentoring, and community empowerment. The program was implemented through three sessions. Evaluation was conducted using pre-test and post-test assessments of knowledge, observation of practical performance, and participant feedback. The results showed an increase in the mean knowledge score from 68.00 to 90.50. Participants’ ability to perform Brain Gym exercises also improved, with the mean performance score increasing from 47.50 to 81.25. Furthermore, 85% of participants were able to perform the exercises independently. These findings indicate that health education combined with Brain Gym training can improve older adults’ knowledge and practical skills in supporting the maintenance of cognitive function.

Keywords: cognitive function; elderly; brain exercise.