The Impact of Learning Multiple Real-World Skills on Cognitive Abilities and Functional Independence in Healthy Older Adults

Abstract

Objectives The natural learning experience from infancy to emerging adulthood, when considerable cognitive and functional growth is observed, mandates learning multiple real-world skills simultaneously. The present studies investigated whether learning multiple real-world skills simultaneously is possible in older adults and also whether it improves both their cognitive abilities (working memory, episodic memory, and cognitive control) and functional independence. Methods Over two studies (15 and 27 participants), older adults learned at least three new skills (e.g., Spanish, drawing, music composition) simultaneously for 3 months. Participants completed cognitive and functional assessments before, during, and after the intervention in both studies. Participants were recruited sequentially for an intervention or no-contact control group in Study 1, and Study 2 included only an intervention group, who also completed assessments 4–6 weeks prior to the start of the intervention (i.e., they served as their own control group). Results Results from both studies show that simultaneously learning multiple skills is feasible and potentially beneficial for healthy older adults. Learning multiple skills simultaneously increased cognitive abilities in older adults by midpoint of the intervention, to levels similar to performance in a separate sample of middle-aged adults. Discussion Our findings demonstrate the feasibility and potential of conducting a real-world skill-learning intervention involving learning three novel skills with older adults. Our multiskill intervention may provide broad cognitive gains, akin to the benefits experienced earlier in the life span.

Pelatihan Kader Kesehatan dalam Perawatan Kulit Lansia

“…Hal ini didukung dengan fakta bahwa kader kesehatan memiliki pengalaman dalam memandikan lansia meskipun belum menerapkan Teknik yang sesuai, namun hal ini membantu kader untuk lebih cepat menerima informasi dari tim pengabdi. Sebuah penelitian menyebutkan bahwa mempelajari keterampilan dunia nyata secara bersamaan pada orang dewasa yang lebih tua meningkatkan kemampuan kognitif (Leanos et al, 2023).…”

The investigation of effect on foot plantar massage on functional recovery in older adults with general surgery, randomized clinical trial

“…The functional level of older people is influenced by a wide range of factors, from chronic disease to socio-economic status. The independence of the older people's daily life; not being dependent on someone to provide personal care and the organisation of the older people home or living environment is associated with healthy aging [5]. However, emergencies brought about by declining physiology may affect functionality.…”

“…One of the factors affecting the functional level of the individual is surgical procedures [4,6]. A review of the literature has shown that loss of function occurs not only in older people after lower extremity surgery, but also after cardiac, cancer and abdominal surgery [4][5][6][7]. According to Tan et al, the functional level lost after surgery in the older people may become permanent even if the operation site heals.…”