Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of perceived stress on cognition in the community elderly.
METHODS
This was a descriptive study. Data were collected using individual-based interviews from 40 senior residents at the hall for the elderly in S City. The period of data collection was from June 19 to July 7, 2006. The tools of data collection were Mini-Mental State Examination (Folstein, Folstein, & McHugh, 1975) and Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen, Kamarck, & Mermelstein, 1983).
RESULTS
Cognition showed significant differences according to gender, education, and regular exercise. Cognition was significantly correlated to stress and age. Stress was significantly correlated to orientation, recall, and attention/calculation. In the results of stepwise multiple regression, factors affecting cognition were stress, age, and gender.
CONCLUSION
It is necessary to prepare health promotion programs that can reduce stress level in the community elderly.

• Keywords: Elderly;Stress;Cognition;