Mental Exercises and Cognitive Enhancement: A Path to Psychological Well-being in the Elderly

Abstract

Age-related cognitive decline and psychological distress are major public health concerns. Non-pharmacological approaches like cognitive training may help promote healthy cognitive aging. This study investigated the impact of an 8-week cognitive exercise program on cognitive function and psychological wellbeing in elderly individuals residing in geriatric homes. Using a quasi-experimental pre-post design, 44 participants were allocated to an intervention group receiving cognitive training or a control group. The 30-minute sessions, conducted thrice weekly, included memory games, logic puzzles, and problem-solving activities. Outcomes were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI). Results showed the intervention group exhibited significant improvements in MMSE scores (p<0.001) and reductions in GDS (p=0.001) and GAI scores (p=0.003) compared to controls. Between-group differences confirmed superior cognitive and psychological benefits for the training group over controls (MMSE p=0.032; GDS p=0.048; GAI p=0.026). Moderate effect sizes (Cohen's d from 0.42 to 0.67) further indicate the practical significance of these enhancements. In conclusion, structured cognitive training effectively improved cognitive status and psychological wellbeing in the elderly sample. Mental exercise shows promise as a non-pharmacological approach to promote healthy cognitive aging and emotional resilience in late life.