HUBUNGAN FUNGSI KOGNITIF TERHADAP INTERAKSI SOSIAL PADA LANJUT USIA DI PANTI LANSIA MALANG

Background: The aging process in the elderly is often accompanied by a decline in cognitive function, which can affect an individual’s ability to interact socially. Elderly individuals residing in nursing homes are at a higher risk of experiencing cognitive impairment and social interaction limitations due to environmental changes, separation from family, and reduced social stimulation. Declining cognitive function can impact communication skills, attention, and social understanding, potentially reducing the quality of life for the elderly. Methods: This study uses an analytical observational design with a cross-sectional approach. The research subjects were 53 elderly individuals residing in nursing homes in Malang, selected using purposive sampling technique. Cognitive function was measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assesment (MoCA), while social interaction was assessed using the Luben Social Network Scale (LSNS) questionnaire. Data analysis was performed univariately to describe the characteristics of the respondents and bivariately to test the relationship between cognitive function and social interaction using the Chi-Square test. Results: The results of the study showed that the majority of the respondents were female and in the young to middle-aged elderly group. Bivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between cognitive function and social interaction in the elderly (p ≤0.05), where elderly individuals with better cognitive function tended to have better social interaction. Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between cognitive function and social interaction in the elderly at Malang nursing home. Cognitive decline cn potentially affect the elderly’s ability to establish and maintain social Interactions.