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

Abstract

Recent 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.

Assessing the role of depressive symptoms in the association between social engagement and cognitive functioning among older adults: analysis of cross-sectional data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI)

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has called for international attention on the importance of social relationships/social engagement/social inclusion in terms of supporting the physical, emotional and cognitive health of older adults 66 67. Evidence suggests significant correlations exist between engaging in social activities and enhanced cognitive outcomes 10 50. However, depression and other mental illnesses that may lead to reduced social networks and activities resulting in cognitive decline among older adults are little explored, especially in LMICs.…”

“…Previous research showed a greater female disadvantage and theorised gender as the crucial factor to be considered in understanding the differences in cognitive functioning in Indian context 46–48. Also, studies have shown the significant gender differences in the association between social engagement and cognitive functioning 49 50. Thus, the study also explored the moderation effects of gender in the relationship between social engagement and cognitive functioning.…”

Exploring Korean Middle- and Old-Aged Citizens’ Subjective Health and Quality of Life

“…The Korea Employment Information Service has performed this survey every two years since 2006. The survey data has been used by several prior studies [ 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 ]; such works could ensure the quality of the data. The study period of this research is between 2008–2016.…”

A systematic review of the relationships amongst older adults’ cognitive and motor speech abilities

“…Importantly, effective communication is crucial for older adults to adjust to health and lifestyle changes (Yorkston et al, 2010) which might come with retirement, for example. Indeed, social engagement is associated with better cognitive functioning (Gow et al, 2013;Pichora-Fuller et al, 2015;Oh et al, 2021) and may reduce the risk of dementia (Fratiglioni et al, 2004). Continued theoretical development in this area is therefore required.…”