Desempenho cognitivo, estado emocional, qualidade de vida e habilidade motora manual de idosos participantes de oficinas de informática

Abstract

Introduction: Cognitive and motor performance of elderly are related to their health, quality of life and emotional state, considered as an important factor of active aging and longevity. Studies show that the process of human aging lead to a functional decrease, loss of muscular strength, and cognitive. However, some studies show that use of the computer can improve the manual skills and cognitive abilities, the quality of life and the emotional state of the elderly. Objective: verify the effects of computer use on cognitive performance, emotional state (anxiety and depression), quality of life and manual motor skill (fine motor skills and handgrip strength) of participants in computer workshops. Method: cohort observational study, involving 114 elderly, who were divided into group without computer (GWC) with 58 seniors and computing group (CG) with 56 seniors. Participants were recruited by sampling method of convenience in two groups of interaction of elderly of Passo Fundo, RS. The elderly were interviewed individually in pre and post-activity, answering sociodemographic questions, cognitive performance (Addenbrooke´s Cognitive Examination-Revised - ACE-R), depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), symptoms of anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory -BAI), perception of quality of life (WHOQOL-Bref), handgrip strength (dynamometer Saehan Corporation®) and fine motor skills (manual skills panel). Results: After the activity, the elderly of the IG showed a significant improvement in relation to the total cognitive performance and its domains memory and language, symptoms of depression, and physical domain quality of life, handgrip strength and fine motor skills, compared to GWC. Conclusions: the use of the computer may contribute positively to the cognitive functionality the elderly, improving their emotional state, quality of life and manual motor skills.