THE IMPACT OF THE SUPPORT SERVICE “PROGRAMME OF MENTAL ARITHMETIC” ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE ELDERLY IN INSTITUTIONAL ACCOMMODATION

Abstract

The aim of the research was to determine whether the innovative support service “ Programme of mental arithmetic” has positive effects on the cognitive abilities and the satisfaction of life of the elderly in institutional accommodation. New support services for the elderly are rarely developed, so it is expected that in addition to the direct positive effects on cognitive abilities, there are also indirect effects on the perception of life satisfaction. The study involved 60 elderly people, divided into control and experimental groups. Cognitive abilities were tested using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test and life satisfaction by using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). An increase in scores was found on both instruments after the program was conducted in the experimental group. The scores of the control group did not change significantly.

Keywords

• mental arithmetic
• support service
• elderly
• abacus
• cognitive abilities