THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL GROUP PARTICIPATION AND THE REDUCTION OF DEMENTIA SYMPTOMS AMONG THE ELDERLY AT UPT PSTW MAGETAN

By : Sherina Andini Putri
Dementia is a common health issue among older adults and is characterized by a decline in cognitive function that affects their ability to perform daily activities. Participation in social groups is thought to play a role in maintaining cognitive function through cognitive, emotional, and social stimulation. This study aims to determine the relationship between participation in social groups and symptoms of dementia among older adults at the Tresna Werdha Social Services Unit (PSTW) in Magetan.
This study employed a quantitative correlational design with a cross-sectional approach. The study sample consisted of 60 older adults selected using purposive sampling. The instruments used were the Australian Community Participation Questionnaire (ACPQ) to measure social group participation and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) to measure symptoms of dementia. Data analysis was performed using the chi-square test with a significance level of α = 0.05.
The results of the study showed that 31 respondents (51.7%) had moderate levels of social group participation, while 31 respondents (51.7%) had moderate levels of dementia. The results of the Chi-Square test showed a p-value of 0.033 (p < 0.05), indicating a significant association between social group participation and symptoms of dementia among older adults at the Magetan PSTW UPT. Increasing social group participation may serve as a nonpharmacological intervention to support cognitive function and improve the quality of life for older adults.

Keywords: Social group participation, dementia, elderly