PENERAPAN BRAIN GYM SEBAGAI UPAYA OPTIMALISASI FUNGSI KOGNITIF DAN KESEHATAN JIWA LANSIA DI KOMUNITAS: APPLICATION OF BRAIN GYM TO ENHANCE COGNITIVE AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN COMMUNITY SETTINGS - Zulvana; Rahmawati, Iva Milia Hani; Wiseno, Bambang (STIKES Pamenang Kediri, 2025)
Abstrak Perubahan struktur demografis global menunjukkan peningkatan signifikan pada populasi lansia, termasuk di Indonesia. Lansia kerap menghadapi berbagai tantangan psikososial seperti penurunan fungsi kognitif, kecemasan, stres, dan kehilangan peran sosial. Oleh karena itu, diperlukan intervensi yang holistik, murah, dan mudah diimplementasikan di komunitas. Brain Gym atau senam otak merupakan pendekatan non-farmakologis berbasis gerakan sederhana yang terbukti dapat mengoptimalkan fungsi otak dan kesehatan mental. Kegiatan pengabdian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan dan keterampilan lansia dalam mempraktikkan gerakan Brain Gym. Kegiatan dilakukan pada 25 lansia di Posyandu Dusun Ngemplak, Kediri, melalui metode edukasi dan pelatihan partisipatif. Lansia dikenalkan dengan lima gerakan utama Brain Gym: Cross Crawl, Hook-Ups, Brain Buttons, Lazy 8s, dan Positive Points. Hasil pre-test menunjukkan bahwa tingkat pengetahuan awal berada pada angka rata-rata 25%, dan meningkat menjadi 86% pada post-test. Pada aspek praktik, hanya 12% lansia yang mampu melakukan seluruh gerakan dengan benar sebelum pelatihan, sedangkan setelah pelatihan, 84% peserta mampu melakukannya secara mandiri dan percaya diri. Intervensi ini terbukti meningkatkan pemahaman dan kemampuan lansia dalam menjaga kesehatan otak dan jiwa melalui aktivitas fisik ringan. Brain Gym sangat potensial untuk diterapkan secara berkelanjutan di komunitas lansia sebagai strategi promotif dan preventif dalam pelayanan kesehatan masyarakat. Kata kunci: lansia, kesehatan jiwa, fungsi kognitif, Brain Gym, pengabdian masyarakat Abstract The global demographic shift indicates a significant increase in the elderly population, including in Indonesia. Older adults often face various psychosocial challenges such as cognitive decline, anxiety, stress, and loss of social roles. Therefore, a holistic, low-cost, and community-friendly intervention is urgently needed. Brain Gym, or educational kinesiology, is a non-pharmacological approach involving simple body movements proven to optimize brain function and mental well-being. This community service activity aimed to improve the knowledge and practical skills of older adults in performing Brain Gym exercises. The program was conducted for 25 elderly participants at Posyandu Dusun Ngemplak, Kediri, using participatory education and training methods. The participants were introduced to five basic Brain Gym movements: Cross Crawl, Hook-Ups, Brain Buttons, Lazy 8s, and Positive Points. Pre-test results showed an initial average knowledge level of 25%, which increased to 86% after the session. In terms of practice, only 12% of participants could perform all movements correctly before the training, while 84% succeeded in doing them independently and confidently after the intervention. This program proved effective in enhancing both understanding and ability of the elderly in maintaining cognitive and emotional health through simple physical activities. Brain Gym has strong potential to be implemented sustainably in community settings as a promotive and preventive strategy within public health services. Keywords: elderly, mental health, cognitive function, Brain Gym, community engagement