When I Move, You Move: Physical Activity and Cognitive Functioning Among Older Dyads in Europe

TL;DR

This study shows that both an individual's and their spouse's physical activity are linked to better cognitive function in older adults.

Contribution

The study introduces sensor-based evidence on how dyadic physical activity influences cognitive outcomes in older adults.

Findings

Higher step counts predicted better cognitive function at follow-up.

Spouses' physical activity positively correlated with individuals' cognitive function.

Verbal fluency remained stable over time in the study group.

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) impair cognitive function and well-being in older adults. While physical activity helps maintain cognitive health, less is known about the role of a partner’s activity regarding cognitive outcomes. Theories of social contagion and social control suggest that having an active partner may promote greater engagement in physical activity, benefiting cognitive function. However, research using sensor-based measures to investigate physical activity in dyads remains limited. This study examines how physical activity within dyadic relationships predicts cognitive function. Specifically, we assessed how individuals’ and their spouses’ physical activity influenced cognitive outcomes over two years using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). A two-wave dyadic analysis was conducted with n = 60 older adults from 33 opposite-sex couples (mean age 67.7 ± 8.7 years) in European countries. Physical activity was measured by a three-axial accelerometer, and cognitive function was assessed through verbal fluency at baseline and follow-up. Multilevel LDV modeling with mixed effects models was performed in Stata Version 18/SE. Verbal fluency remained stable over time (β = 0.62, p < .001). Higher step counts predicted better cognitive function at follow-up (β = 0.30, p < .001). Additionally, spouses’ physical activity positively correlated with individuals’ cognitive function at follow-up (β = 0.25, p < .01). Our findings underscore the role of dyadic interactions in healthy aging. Future research should explore underlying mechanisms and assess dyadic interventions to support cognitive well-being in older adults.