Association Between Leisure Activity Patterns and Cognitive Function for U.S. Older Adults

TL;DR

Older adults who engage in diverse leisure activities tend to have better cognitive function, while limited or inconsistent activity patterns are linked to cognitive decline.

Contribution

This study identifies distinct leisure activity patterns and their differential impact on cognitive health, emphasizing demographic disparities.

Findings

Participants in the 'All Activities' cluster had the highest cognitive scores.

Older adults, women, and those with lower education were more affected by limited leisure activity patterns.

Diverse and sustained leisure engagement is protective for cognitive health.

Abstract

This study explores the longitudinal impact of leisure activity patterns on cognitive function among U.S. older adults, utilizing data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the Consumption and Activities Mail Survey (CAMS). Using sequence analysis and clustering, five distinct leisure activity patterns were identified, ranging from diverse engagement to restricted or declining participation. Participants in the “All Activities” cluster demonstrated the highest cognitive scores, while those in “Gradual Cessation of Activities” or “Household-Only Activities” exhibited significant cognitive decline. Stratified analyses revealed that older adults, women, and individuals with lower educational attainment were more adversely affected by limited or inconsistent activity patterns. The findings highlight the protective role of diverse and sustained leisure engagement in cognitive health and underscore the moderating effects of demographic factors, including age, gender, and education. These results emphasize the need for tailored interventions to promote diverse leisure activities, address demographic disparities, and support healthy cognitive aging in diverse populations.