Cognitive and Physical Stimulation and Promotion of Social Relations for the Benefit of Older People's Quality of Life

Effect of Practice Environment on Perceived Benefits of Combined Physical and Cognitive Program on Older People's Cognitive Abilities and Quality of Life

The aim of this interventional study is thus to assess and highlight the cognitive, physical, and psychosocial benefits of a combined physical and cognitive training program in an enriched environment and to assess the factors influencing these benefits.

The number of older people worldwide is constantly increasing. However, one of the main problems associated with aging is cognitive decline, which affects essential everyday functions such as memory, attention, and executive functions. Thus, maintaining autonomy and quality of life depends on physical health, and the integrity of cognitive functioning. Cognitive, physical and social activities can all slow this decline but social factors and their contribution to the well-being of older people remain under-researched. The aim of the present study is to analyze how the practice environment can foster these social relations and thus enhance wellbeing and to identify the psychological dimensions that are activated by social relations.

Inclusion Criteria:

• People must be at least 65 years old
• People must be at independent (able to get around on their own: car, bus, walking)
• People must be at living in the community (not in an institution such as a nursing home)
• The persons recruited must have a score on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) of at least 18.

Exclusion Criteria:

• People with contraindications for engaging in regular physical activity
• People with severe neurological and psychological disorders.