Introduction:

cognitive flexibility plays a key role in the solution of social problems related to living with the elderly. It helps choose the necessary strategies for adjusting to demanding situations, and to offer more flexible responses.

Aim:

To evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive flexibility training in 75-80-year-old people, through tasks based on the identification of clues and signals.

Materials and methods:

The population consisted of 123 seniors, from which a final sample of 64 subjects aged between 75 and 80 years old was selected. The analytical-synthetic theoretical method was used for the theoretical design of this study, while the TMT A&B (Trail Making Test) was the empirical method used to evaluate the effectiveness of tasks. A semi-structured interview was included in the research. A critical review of the literature was performed as described in the bibliographic method. The stimulation activities were characterized by a system of tasks that promoted cognitive flexibility by identifying clues and signals in natural conditions.

Results:

There were statistically significant differences between the scores of the first and second application in the experimental group, according to the Wilcoxon test, and for the independent samples, according to the Mann-Mhitney U test. There was a correspondence between the tasks performed and the demands of cognitive flexibility in the elders that participated in the study.

Conclusions:

The ecologically-based training program was effective in promoting cognitive flexibility in 75-80-year-old individuals.

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