Nurse-led Intervention for Cognitive Reserve and Stress Management

As people approach retirement, leaving the workplace can reduce the mental, social, and physical stimulation that a demanding job provides, while also introducing new stress related to the transition. Both changes may affect long-term brain health and well-being, yet there is little evidence on programs that address them together before retirement particularly programs delivered by nurses in the workplace. This study tested whether a brief, nurse-led group program could improve cognitive reserve (the mental resources that help a person maintain thinking ability despite age-related brain changes) and reduce perceived stress among primary school teachers aged 55 to 69 who were still working and approaching retirement. The four-week program combined cognitive-stimulation activities, stress-management and relaxation training, gentle psychomotor (movement and coordination) exercises, and guided planning for staying mentally, physically, and socially active after retirement. Teachers in the comparison group continued their usual activities and received an educational booklet after the program ended. The trial used a cluster-randomized controlled design conducted in four public primary schools in Kafr El-Dawwar, Beheira Governorate, Egypt. Whole schools rather than individual teachers were randomly assigned, so that two schools received the program and two served as controls. Cognitive reserve and perceived stress were measured at baseline, immediately after the program, and again at 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months of follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria * Employed teacher at one of the four participating public primary schools in Kafr El-Dawwar, Beheira Governorate, Egypt * Able to communicate in Arabic * Willing and able to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Declined to participate or did not provide written informed consent * Participation in pilot testing of the study instruments