Playing Cards Using the “Tepuk Nyamuk” Method Improves Cognitive Function and Social Interaction in the Elderly

Playing cards using the “tepuk nyamuk” system is a game using a standard 52-card deck to focus between the words spoken on the card that is to be issued while tapping the back of the hand between the players on the card. The study aimed to find out the effect of playing cards using the “tepuknyamuk” method on improving cognitive function and social interaction. This study was quasi-experimental with 30 respondents who were elderly individuals who experienced cognitive decline and social interactions. The independent variable was playing cards in the “tepuknyamuk” method and the dependent variables were cognitive function and social interaction. The results indicate that there was an influence from playing cards on cognitive improvement (p=0.000) and social interaction (p=0.000). Playing cards in the “tepuknyamuk” method has the positive effect of improving cognitive function and social interaction for older adults. Further studies are suggested to determine the effect playing cards on other cognitive components.