Efficacy of a cognitive stimulation programme using technology on older adults’ self-esteem, self-efficacy, and autonomy

Résumé 0

The objective of this study was to verify the effectiveness of a cognitive stimulation programme using technology: PESCO MX in comparison to a traditional programme that used nontechnological recreational activities to improve levels of self-esteem, self-efficacy, and autonomy in older adults. In this quasi-experimental investigation, 63 participants were divided into three groups of older adults attending three different senior day-care centres. One group was treated with technology, another without technology, and the third group received no programme. All three groups were measured pre-test and post-test. The results show a significant difference in the three variables between the technology group and the control group; however, there is no difference in the pre-test results. Another finding shows significant differences between the three groups for the self-efficacy variable; differences were also found between the group that did not use technology and the control group. There was also a difference between the group without technology and the group that used the PESCO MX (the latter being higher). In general, a cognitive stimulation programme using technology benefitted self-esteem, self-efficacy, and autonomy, which indicates that this programme can contribute to improving the quality of life during old age. Finally, the theoretical and practical implications of this study were analysed.