ABSTRACT
Background Aging has an impact on women's quality of life and is closely correlated with deteriorating social support systems and cognitive abilities. This project intends to improve women's performance, independence, and quality of life by using meta-cognitive strategy-based activities to improve executive functioning and their capacity to maintain social networks. The ultimate objective is to keep older women's cognitive abilities from declining and to give them more independence in carrying out essential everyday tasks. By enhancing their executive functioning skills, women will be better equipped to navigate daily challenges and maintain their autonomy. Additionally, the project aims to provide a supportive environment for older women to engage in social activities and strengthen their social connections, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and enriched quality of life. Aims and objectives The study aims to evaluate the impact of meta-cognitive strategy-based activities on executive functioning, social networking, and instrumental activities of daily living. This study is specifically for women. Materials and method This is a quasi-experimental design with convenience sampling and selected samples (n=70), who were then split into two groups: an experimental group (n=35) and a control group (n=35) based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The experimental group received intervention based on meta-cognitive strategies through various activities, while the control group did not receive any specific intervention except health education. Pre- and post-tests were conducted to measure the changes. Executive functioning was assessed using the Brief Executive Function Assessment Tool (BEAT), social networking was assessed using the Lubben Social Networking Scale, and instrumental activities of daily living were assessed using the Lawton Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale. The duration of the study was six months, three sessions per week, lasting 45 minutes to an hour each. The statistical analysis was done with significance at a 5% alpha level using IBM SPSS version 29.0 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). Results The pre-test and post-test data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Mann-Whitney test. Since the p-value of the experimental group was 0.00 for the Lubben Social Networking Scale, the BEAT, and the Lawton Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, the alternate hypothesis was accepted. Thus, the results showed significant improvement in executive functioning, social networking, and instrumental daily living activities in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusion The clinically significant finding of this study was that the participants were enthusiastic and motivated to engage in meta-cognitive strategy-based activities; furthermore, there was a significant improvement in the experimental group when compared with the control group in executive functioning and social networking abilities. This will enhance functions like instrumental activities of daily living and occupational performance. Meta-cognitive strategy-based activities appeared beneficial for improving the cognitive functions and quality of life of women. Although the findings from the studies are positive for therapeutic and health benefits, more clinical trials are needed in order to prove the effect of meta-cognitive strategy-based activities as a therapeutic approach.
