Title : Social engagement and cognitive functions: An association between religious attendance and cognitive functions in old age
Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between religious attendance as one of the main forms of social engagement and cognitive functions in old age. The risk of cognitive impairments, a forerunner dementia and Alzheimer which lead to death and disability in old age are increasing as a result of a rapid increase of the ageing population in Zimbabwe and globally at large. Preserving cognitive functions or heath in old age is one of the major public health issue which is very critical for successful ageing. The study used a quantitative research approach and descriptive statistics research design. In a sample of (N= 205), males and female’s participants, 132 met the eligible selection criterion and 121 managed to complete the Mini-Mental examinations scale which was measuring cognitive functions and the religious attendance questionnaire. A purposive sampling technique was used in the selection of participants. A Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between religious attendance and cognitive functions. The results indicated that there is strong association between religious attendance and cognitive functions F (7,111) = 20.066, p = .000<.001, R2 (56%). However, the association vary from one form of religious attendance to the other. Reading scriptures reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunctions in old age by 72%, p=.716>.5<.8, preaching by 53 % , p= .533>.5<.8 , socialising with other church members by 50 % , p=.470 >.5<.8 singing by 40 %, p=.404>.2<.5 and listening to sermons by 40%, p=.395>.2<.5. Although, there is positive association between religious attendance and cognitive functions, the present findings indicated an inverse association between listening to sermons and cognitive functions among the elderly, y =18.720+( - .326). Religious attendance as one of the main source of social engagement helps to maintain cognitive functions in old age. Hence, people should participate in religious activities at an early stage or before they reach the age of 50 in order to prevent the advancement or the risk of cognitive dysfunctions in old age.
