Analysis of Characteristics of Health Status Based on Assessment of Cognitive Function in the Elderly in Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: Various challenges will arise due to the increase in elderly people yearly. In Indonesia, the effect of the demographic transition can be seen in the low birth and death rates, and the rise in life expectancy is indirectly the way to increase the number of the elderly; from sharing the problems that arise among the elderly, one of the things that need to be concerned is how to maintain cognitive function so that the elderly can maintain their health status. Objectives: to determine the relationship between characteristics and the health status of the elderly based on the results of cognitive function assessment. Methods: This study is a type of observational analytical research using a cross-sectional study design and was carried out in Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, from August to December 2023, involving 64 older adults with the criteria of elderly people who are 60-75 years old, do not have mental disorders and can read and write. Cognitive function uses the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Indonesia version (MoCA-Ina) and is a variable to be analyzed. Results: There was a significant relationship between sex p<0.030, age p<0.027, education level p<0.001, occupation p<0.045, prayer activity p<0.001 with cognitive function, while marital status was not related to cognitive function p>0.193. Conclusion: The characteristics of the elderly in this study are related to health status based on the value of cognitive function in the elderly.