Improving Cognitive and Adaptive Abilities of Aged

摘要

Four types of activity programs which may be helpful to aged individuals in achieving increased effectiveness in their cognitive and personal-social functioning were developed. The four programs are: (1) General Educational and Cultural Activities; (2) Learning and Practice of Problem Solving and Abstract Thinking; (3) Mild Physical Exercise; (4) Meditation Training and Practice. These four programs, along with a fifth 'no training' or control program for relative effectiveness in improving the cognitive and personal-social functioning associated with each program was studied to determine if they are sustained by the subjects for two consecutive three month periods beyond the conclusion of the training. The relative effects on cognitive and personal-social functioning of a period of training which was reinforced by a second training period with one which is not reinforced were compared.