Overview
Recent studies have shown promising cognitive and physical interventions aimed at slowing down ageing-related declines in quality of life, but they lack strong ecological validity (brief durations, unrealistic goals, no real-world application) and has yet to show robust evidence that such interventions are stable and suitable in the long-term. The investigators aim to examine whether these interventions can, over four years, significantly slow down the normal rate of ageing-related decline.
Description
This is a longitudinal, controlled, cohort study. The overarching aim in this intervention study is three-fold: (1) to test hypotheses derived from ageing-related theories, (2) to provide robust measurable evidence both in the long-term and validate meaningful interventions, and (3) provide quantifiable cost-benefit ratio to suggested solutions. A cohort of Malaysian older adults will be recruited and assigned to one of the groups, either cognitive stimulation, physical activity, combined cognitive stimulation and physical activity, or non-intervention control.
Eligibility
Malaysian older adults aged 60 and above who fulfil the following criteria will be
- recruited
Inclusion Criteria:
- Healthy and this includes those seeking regular medical attention,
- Have some form of mobility (ability to walk short distances at least 3m),
- Able to communicate in at least one of the following languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Older adults with a history of stroke,
- Diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's) or psychiatric disorders,
- Uncorrected auditory and/or visual impairments,
- Currently on psychiatric medications,
- Immobile,
- Require full-time caregiver assistance,
- With comprehension impediments from the assessment portion of this project,
- A Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score of <13.