scholarly journals Social engagement and cognitive function among middle-aged and older adults: gender-specific findings from the Korean longitudinal study of aging (2008–2018)

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Soyeon Oh ◽  
Eunhee Cho ◽  
Bada Kang
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Estimating Equation ◽  
Senior Center ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Gender Specific

AbstractRecent findings suggest that social disengagement in later life may result in cognitive decline and increase risk of Alzheimer’s and related dementias. However, little is known regarding the gender-specific longitudinal association between social engagement and cognition among middle-aged and older adults. Using data from a nationally representative sample of 2707 men and 5196 women from the Korean longitudinal study of aging, we examined the gender-specific association between social activity and cognitive function. Results from the generalized estimating equation model showed that compared to individuals with consistent social engagement (religious, senior center, sport, reunion, voluntary, political), individuals with inconsistent engagement had lower cognitive function. Transitioning from engagement to non-engagement was associated with lower cognitive function among men only. Not being part of a senior center was associated with decreased cognitive function among both genders, while not being part of a religious group was significant for women only. While marital status was a significant predictor of cognitive ability for women, depression was a significant predictor for men. These findings have implications for policy-makers as interventions targeting improved cognitive function among middle-aged and older adults may be more effective when gender-specific predictors are taken into consideration.

scholarly journals Social Disengagement and Cognitive Function: Does the Association Vary by Gender?

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 702-702
Author(s):  
Bada Kang ◽  
Eunhee Cho ◽  
Sarah Oh
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Estimating Equation ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Senior Center ◽  
Religious Activities ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Gender Specific

Abstract Although social disengagement is considered to be a predictor of cognitive decline, and increase risk of Alzheimer’s and related dementias, little is known regarding the gender-specific association between social disengagement and cognition among Korean middle-aged and older adults. Korea’s Confucianism-based gender roles provide unique contexts to examine gender differences in the influence of social disengagement on cognition. This study investigated the association between social disengagement and cognitive function in a nationally representative sample of Koreans aged 45 years or older (N = 5,196 women and 2,707 men), using data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2008-2018). Results from the generalized estimating equation model showed that compared to consistent social engagement, consistent non-engagement was significantly associated with lower cognitive function among both genders. Transitioning from social engagement to non-engagement was significant for males only. Of various types of social activities (religious, senior center, sport, reunion, voluntary, political), consistent non-engagement in a senior center was most associated with lower cognitive function among both genders, while consistent non-engagement in religious activities was significant for females only. While household arrangements were not associated with cognition in men, widowed women had increased risk of cognitive decline than married women, as did women living in households of three or more people. Depression was a predictor of cognitive decline among males only. In this gender-specific study, we found that consistent participation in social activities, especially via membership in a senior community center, is beneficial in preventing cognitive decline among both genders.

scholarly journals Effects of Participation in Social Activities on Cognitive Function Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Korea

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 2315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jongnam Hwang ◽  
Sangmin Park ◽  
Sujin Kim
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
The Social ◽  
Gender Groups

Cognitive function is a critical health issue in later life, the decline of which disrupts well-being and daily life function. Cognitive decline in older ages can also be understood in the context of the social environment such as social connectedness and engagement in personal life. This study aimed to examine: (1) whether participation in social activities contributes to preventing cognitive decline, and (2) what type of social activities are beneficial to maintaining cognitive function. Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLOSA) 2006–2014, a longitudinal survey of the household-dwelling population aged 45 and older in Korea were used. The results revealed that Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores decreased with increasing age, at a rate of approximately 0.18 units across all age-gender groups, and the decrease was steeper for adults aged 65 and over. Participation in social gatherings was likely to delay the decline in cognitive function after the age of 65. In a gender-stratified model, social activity may not have an impact on the decline of cognitive function for men, whereas participation in social gatherings was negatively related to the decline of MMSE scores in women. This study suggests the need for a gender-stratified policy for preventing the decline of cognitive function while promoting engagement in social activities in Korean older adults.

scholarly journals The association between childhood neighborhood relationship and mental health in middle and later life: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Sun ◽  
Hongye Luo ◽  
Chaofan Li ◽  
Qianqiang Wang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Logit Regression ◽  
Neighborhood Relationship ◽  
Research Gap

Abstract Background It is unclear that whether childhood neighborhood relationship is associated with mental health among middle-aged and older adults. To overcome this research gap, this study aimed to investigate the association between childhood neighborhood relationship and mental health among the middle-aged and older adults in China. Methods The data of this study was sourced from the 2014 and 2015 waves of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. We used ordinary least squares and logit regression models to explore the association between childhood neighborhood relationship and mental health among the middle-aged and older adults in China. Results The regression results indicate that the middle-aged and older adults who lived in place where neighbors had close-knit relationships at childhood was significantly associated with decreased odds of suffering from depressive symptoms (OR = 0.4259, p < 0.001). Furthermore, compared to the middle-aged and older adults who lived in place where neighbors were not close-knit at childhood, those who lived in place where neighbors were close-knit at childhood had a reduced CES–D score (coefficient = − 2.7822, p < 0.001). Conclusion This study demonstrates the importance of living in place where neighbors had close-knit relationships at childhood. The integrated interventions, including maintaining close-knit neighborhood relationships and strengthening the construction of community, may be useful to improve mental health.

scholarly journals Environmental Factors Affecting Cognitive Function among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8528
Author(s):  
Atsushi Motohiro ◽  
Takafumi Abe ◽  
Kenta Okuyama ◽  
Keiichi Onoda ◽  
Tomoko Ito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Estimating Equation ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Residential Density ◽  
Rural Older Adults

Although neighborhood environmental factors have been found to be associated with cognitive decline, few longitudinal studies have focused on their effect on older adults living in rural areas. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the role of neighborhood environmental factors in cognitive decline among rural older adults. The data of 485 older adults aged ≥60 years who were living in Unnan City in Japan and had participated in two surveys conducted between 2014 and 2018 were analyzed. Cognitive function was assessed using the Cognitive Assessment for Dementia, iPad version 2. Elevation, hilliness, residential density, and proximity to a community center were determined using geographic information system. We applied a generalized estimating equation with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of cognitive decline in the quartiles of neighborhood environmental factors. A total of 56 (11.6%) participants demonstrated a decrease in cognitive function at follow up. Elevation (adjusted OR 2.58, 95% CI (1.39, 4.77) for Q4 vs. Q1) and hilliness (adjusted OR 1.93, 95% CI (1.03, 3.63) for Q4 vs. Q1) were associated with a higher likelihood of cognitive decline. The second quartiles of residential density showed significantly lower likelihoods of cognitive decline compared with the first quartiles (adjusted OR 0.36, 95% CI (0.19, 0.71) for Q2 vs. Q1). Thus, an elevated hilly environment and residential density predicted cognitive decline among rural older adults.

scholarly journals Prospective association between social engagement and cognitive impairment among middle-aged and older adults: evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e040936
Author(s):  
Shuduo Zhou ◽  
Suhang Song ◽  
Yinzi Jin ◽  
Zhi-Jie Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Protective Effect ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Prospective Association

ObjectivesCognitive impairment is a precursor of dementia. This study aimed to examine the association of social engagement with cognitive decline during the process of normal ageing.MethodsWe used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The cognitive functions were tested at baseline, and 2-year and 4-year follow-up visits. Social engagement was constructed as a comprehensive measure including the quantity and frequency of social activities. Activities of social engagement were classified into three types. Multilevel logistic model was fitted to evaluate the prospective association between social engagement and cognitive impairment.ResultsAfter 2-year follow-up, compared with participants with the lowest level of social engagement, those with level-2, level-3 and level-4 social engagement had a 12% (OR=0.88, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.09, p=0.242), 17% (OR=0.83, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.97, p=0.020) and 25% (OR=0.75, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.93, p=0.008) lower risk for developing cognitive impairment, respectively. A similar pattern of significantly protective association was found at 4-year follow-up. Combined effect analysis showed that participants who attended one type of social engagement had a lower risk of developing cognitive impairment and the protective effect was even larger with those who attended two or three types of social engagement.ConclusionsSocial engagement had a protective effect on cognitive impairment among middle-aged and older adults in China. Given the growing epidemic of dementia and rapid pace of ageing in low-income and middle-income countries, our study shed lights on comprehensive and tailored public health programmes for improving social engagement, to delay cognitive impairment at mid-age and later life.

scholarly journals RECIPROCAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COGNITION AND EDENTULISM AMONG MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULTS IN CHINA

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S350-S350
Author(s):  
Nan Lu ◽  
Bei Wu ◽  
Yaolin Pei
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Tooth Loss ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Cognitive Health

Abstract While empirical evidence shows that cognitive function affects oral health and vice versa, there is a lack of empirical evidence to test the reciprocal relationship between these two indicators. This study aimed to examine this relationship among middle-aged and older adults in China. Data were derived from the 2011 and 2015 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal study. A two-wave cross-lag analysis was adopted to test the hypothesized model. Cognitive function in 2011 was found to be a significant predictor of complete tooth loss in 2015. Furthermore, complete tooth loss in 2011 was found to be a significant predictor of cognitive cognition in 2015. This finding demonstrates the reciprocal relationship between cognitive function and oral health. This study highlights the importance of improving both cognitive health and oral health for middle-aged and older adults. Policy and intervention implications are discussed.

scholarly journals Exploring the reciprocal relationship between cognitive function and edentulism among middle-aged and older adults in China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nan Lu ◽  
Bei Wu ◽  
Yaolin Pei
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Reciprocal Relationships

Abstract Objective Previous longitudinal studies have found that cognitive function affected oral health, and vice versa. However, research is lacking on the reciprocal relationships between cognitive function and edentulism simultaneously, especially in developing countries. The present study aimed to examine the reciprocal relationship between cognitive function and edentulism among middle-aged and older adults in China. Methods Data were derived from the 2011 and 2015 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The sample included 14,038 respondents aged 45 or older. A two-wave cross-lagged analysis was adopted to test the hypothesized model. Results Among respondents aged 45–59, baseline cognitive function was associated with subsequent edentulism [b = −0.017, standard deviation (SD) = 0.006, P &lt; 0.01]. In contrast, baseline edentulism was not significantly associated with poorer cognitive function at the follow-up wave (b = −0.744, SD = 0.383, P &gt; 0.05). However, among respondents aged 60 or older, baseline cognitive function was associated with subsequent edentulism (b = −0.017, SD = 0.005, P &lt; 0.01), and baseline edentulism was also associated with follow-up lower levels of cognitive function (b = −0.419, SD = 0.143, P &lt; 0.01). Conclusions These findings demonstrated the reciprocal relationships of cognitive function and edentulism. However, such relationships varied across age groups. This study demonstrates the importance of developing programs and services to promote both cognitive and oral health, especially for those in older age.

scholarly journals Associations between social and intellectual activities with cognitive trajectories in Chinese middle-aged and older adults: a nationally representative cohort study

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haibin Li ◽  
Changwei Li ◽  
Anxin Wang ◽  
Yanling Qi ◽  
Wei Feng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Cognitive Assessments ◽  
Visuospatial Skills ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Intellectual Activities

Abstract Background Associations between the frequency of social and intellectual activities and cognitive trajectories are understudied in Chinese middle-aged and older adults. We aimed to examine this association in a nationally representative longitudinal study. Methods The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) is a nationally representative sample of Chinese middle-aged and older participants. The frequency of social and intellectual activities was measured at baseline. Interview-based cognitive assessments of orientation and attention, episodic memory, and visuospatial skills and the calculation of combined global scores were assessed every 2 years from 2011 to 2016. Cognitive aging trajectories over time were analyzed using group-based trajectory modeling, and the associations of the trajectory memberships with social and intellectual activities were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Results Among 8204 participants aged 50–75 years at baseline, trajectory analysis identified three longitudinal patterns of cognitive function based on the global cognitive scores: “persistently low trajectory” (n = 1550, 18.9%), “persistently moderate trajectory” (n = 3194, 38.9%), and “persistently high trajectory” (n = 3460, 42.2%). After adjustment for sociodemographic variables, lifestyles, geriatric symptoms, and health conditions, more frequent intellectual activities (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.38–0.77) and social activities (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.65–0.95) were both associated with a lower likelihood of being in the “persistently low trajectory” for global cognitive function. Conclusions These findings suggested that more frequent social and intellectual activities were associated with more favorable cognitive aging trajectories.

scholarly journals Social isolation, rather than loneliness, is associated with cognitive decline in older adults: the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Bin Yu ◽  
Andrew Steptoe ◽  
Yongjie Chen ◽  
Xiaohua Jia
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Mental Status ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Confounding Variables

Abstract Background Social isolation and loneliness have each been associated with cognitive decline, but most previous research is limited to Western populations. This study examined the relationships of social isolation and loneliness on cognitive function among Chinese older adults. Methods This study used two waves of data (2011 and 2015) from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study and analyses were restricted to those respondents aged 50 and older. Social isolation, loneliness, and cognitive function were measured at baseline. Follow-up measures on cognitive function were obtained for 7761 participants (mean age = 60.97, s.d. = 7.31; male, 50.8%). Lagged dependent variable models adjusted for confounding factors were used to evaluate the association between baseline isolation, loneliness, and cognitive function at follow-up. Results Loneliness was significantly associated with the cognitive decline at follow-up (episodic memory: β = −0.03, p < 0.01; mental status: β = −0.03, p < 0.01) in the partially adjusted models. These associations became insignificant after additional confounding variables (chronic diseases, health behaviors, disabilities, and depressive symptoms) were taken into account (all p > 0.05). By contrast, social isolation was significantly associated with decreases in all cognitive function measures at follow-up (episodic memory: β = −0.05, p < 0.001; mental status: β = −0.03, p < 0.01) even after controlling for loneliness and all confounding variables. Conclusions Social isolation is associated with cognitive decline in Chinese older adults, and the relationships are independent of loneliness. These findings expand our knowledge about the links between social relationships and the cognitive function in non-Western populations.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document