Identifying the Relationships between Types of Leisure Activities and Cognitive Functions in Older Adults

Abstract

Objectives: We investigated the relationship between types of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) activities, intellectually stimulating activities, and community-based activities and the cognitive functions of older adults. Methods: We extracted 3,767 samples from the 2020 Health and Retirement Study (N=15,723). We defined cognitive functions as: (1) memory as assessed by both immediate and delayed recall tests, (2) working memory measured by a subtraction-by-7 test, and (3) attention and processing speed assessment through the use of the counting backward test. We used hierarchical regression analysis to assess the relationships between types of leisure and cognitive functions. Results: LTPA, intellectual leisure, and community-based leisure were significantly associated with improved memory function. Intellectual activity was significantly associated with improved working memory, and improved attention and processing speed. Conclusion: These findings provide data-based implications for the design and implementation of various types of leisure activities for older adults by healthcare providers and therapists.