The Effect of Metacognition Function of Elderly Individuals on Healthy Aging Levels

Abstract Aim: To determine the relationship between elderly individuals’ metacognition and health aging. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted between April and December 2024 with 394 elderly individuals in Türkiye. The data were collected using the Metacognition Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30), and Healthy Aging Instrument (HAI). Results: The mean MCQ-30 total score was 68.85±19.72, and the mean HAI total score was 97.68±26.50. There was no significant relationship between the mean MCQ-30 total score and the mean HAI total score (p>0.05). There was a very strong negative correlation between the mean MCQ-30 total score and all its sub-dimensions and the HAI accepting aging, being self-sufficient sub-dimension, and a very weak negative correlation between the HAI staying cognitively active and having social participation sub-dimension (p<0.05). MCQ-30 total mean score predicted HAI accepting aging, being self-sufficient sub-dimension mean score by 85.0% and HAI staying cognitively active and having social participation sub-dimension mean score by 3.8% (p<0.001). Conclusion: It can be said that the metacognition levels of elderly individuals are moderate, and their healthy aging levels are at a good level. It was found that accepting aging, being self-sufficient, and staying cognitively active, and having social participation levels decreased as the pathological metacognition levels of individuals increased. It is important to support them with metacognitive therapies and psychoeducation. The quality of life of individuals should be improved through elderly-friendly public health campaigns.