THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE ELDERLY

Abstract

Cognitive function is a person's ability to recognize and interpret things within a scope that consists of orientation, language, attention, memory, construction, calculation, and reasoning. Frequent forgetfulness is the mildest form of cognitive impairment and can cause changes in cognitive function. Cognitive function is measured using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) instrument, with the results categorized as no impairment, mild impairment, and severe impairment. Quality of life is an individual's perception of their physical, psychological, social, and environmental well- being. Quality of life is measured using the WHOQOL-BREF instrument, which covers four main domains: physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment. This study aims to determine the relationship between cognitive function and the level of quality of life in the elderly at the Binjai Social Service Unit for the Elderly. The research method used in this study is quantitative. The population in this study was elderly individuals aged 60-74 who live at the Social Service Unit for the Elderly. Data analysis used univariate analysis to identify the distribution and frequency of demographic data (age, gender, religion, education, former occupation, marital status, and health problems). Bivariate analysis was performed using the chi-square test. The results of this study show that the cognitive function of 28 respondents (54.9%) was in the mild impairment category. The quality of life for 32 elderly individuals (62.8%) was in the moderate category. The results of the bivariate test showed a significant relationship between cognitive function and quality of life in the elderly at the Binjai Social Service Unit for the Elderly, North Sumatra Social Agency, with a p-value of 0.002. It is hoped that the Binjai Elderly Social Services UPTD can carry out activities to improve cognitive function and quality of life in the elderly, such as physical activity or brain gymnastics, increasing social interaction between the elderly and maintaining good eating and lifestyle patterns.