Effectiveness of a Woodworking Program on Psychosocial Health among Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

ackground: This study aimed to examine the effects of a woodworking program on psychosocial health in older adults who had mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia (MD) in Korea. Setting: The study was carried out in a dementia center in Seoul in Korea. Population: A total of 61 participants who had MCI or MD were allocated into two groups: the experimental group (EG, n = 35) and the control group (CG, n = 26). Methods: This study was carried out using a nonequivalent control group pre-test–post-test design. The EG participated in the woodworking program a total of 10 times for 120 min per session twice a week for 5 weeks, and the CG did not participate in the woodworking program. Both groups completed the same survey before and after the intervention. In the survey, demographic characteristics, psychological health (life satisfaction, depression, self-efficacy, and resilience), and social health (social isolation and social support) were measured. Results: In the within-group comparison, there was no significant difference between any factors of the CG before and after the intervention. In contrast, the EG had a significant improvement before and after the woodworking program. Participants in the EG with MCI and MD significantly improved their social support (p < 0.05). Psychological factors (life satisfaction, depression, and self-efficacy) were positively changed, although not significantly. Conclusions: The woodworking program promoted psychosocial health, such as life satisfaction, resilience, and social support, among older adults with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia.

Lifestyle Enrichment in Later Life and Its Association With Dementia Risk

“…These activities generally involve the use of heavy tools and materials, thus being more laborious and possibly conferring greater benefits from physical activity. Also, these activities themselves may be cognitively stimulating, since the psychosocial benefits of crafting for mental well-being have been shown previously . Therefore, it may be promising to advocate gender-neutral handiwork in communities for older individuals.…”

“…Also, these activities themselves may be cognitively stimulating, since the psychosocial benefits of crafting for mental well-being have been shown previously. 45 , 46 Therefore, it may be promising to advocate gender-neutral handiwork in communities for older individuals.…”