Training program for the improvement of sense of direction and spatial orientation in aged people [Presentazione di un programma per il miglioramento delle abilità di orientamento negli anziani]

he study illustrates a new training program for the improvement of spatial orientation in aged people. A total sample of 40 participants (mean age: 78.92 years), were divided in an experimental and a control group. Questionnaires and tests on spatial anxiety, sense of direction, spatial abilities and spatial representation were used for all patients. The experimental group followed the program OSA (Orientamento Spaziale Anziani) - a specific spatial training designed to the improvement of spatial ability in aging - for a period of approximately two months. At the end of the treatment the experimental participants expressed high motivation and satisfaction toward the treatment. Moreover, they improved self-ratings of sense of direction and spatial representation significantly more than the control group. This experience is a useful example for the assessment of topographical orientation and for the treatment of disorientation.