Chair Exercise and Intergenerational Activities in Older Adults With Physio-Cognitive Decline Syndrome

Population aging in Indonesia has led to a growing proportion of older adults experiencing functional and cognitive decline. Physio-cognitive decline syndrome (PCDS), defined as the coexistence of reduced physical performance (such as slow gait speed or weak handgrip strength) and mild cognitive impairment without disability or dementia, is considered an early and reversible stage that increases the risk of frailty, disability, and poor quality of life. Chair exercise provides a safe and feasible intervention for older adults, with proven benefits in muscle strength, balance, and neurocognitive function, partly mediated through increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In parallel, an intergenerational activity involving direct interaction between older and younger individuals has shown promise in improving psychosocial well-being and cognitive outcomes. This study integrates chair exercise with intergenerational activities to target the multidimensional nature of PCDS. Outcomes will focus on frailty status and changes in serum mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) to establish a multimodal, culturally adapted strategy to support healthy aging in Indonesian older adults.