[FUN & GAMES] Leisure activity tied to better eating, cognition in older adults
Engagement in leisure activity – or rather, lack thereof -- has been associated with depression in older adults, but the specific processes by which diet and cognition mediate the relationship between the two wasn't clear.
To investigate, researchers used data from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey and tests to assess cognition and depression in 10,058 participants (average age, 82; 53%, women). They assigned diet diversity and plant-based index scores to evaluate the participants’ diets. They also assessed leisure activities and cognitive function.
More leisure activity was linked to diverse diets, plant-based eating, and better cognitive health. Because there is less green space and more isolated in China now than previously, older adults should prioritize leisure activity to prevent depression, the study authors advised.
According to the authors, diet diversity, plant-based eating and cognitive health were chain-mediating factors. In other words, participating in leisure activity may contribute to higher levels of diet (diversity or plant-based eating) or cognitive function, which by extension can improve a person’s risk for or experience with depression.
“Participating in leisure activities may contribute to increased social support and happiness of older individuals, thereby potentially leading to improved mental health," the authors wrote. In addition, the findings "could potentially heighten the awareness of public health professionals regarding the involvement of family members and community resources to bolster leisure engagement and dietary quality among older people."
The authors caution that all participants were from China, and previous studies have shown that due to China’s unique socio-cultural context, Chinese older adults exhibit unique leisure activities and dietary habits. Consequently, the generalizability of the findings warrants verification across different cultural and ethnic groups.
To read the full study, published in BMC Geriatrics, click here
Do you have news to share?
The ICAA welcomes your news submissions. Please send your press releases to colinmilner@icaa.cc-the ICAA's email for submissions-and staff will consider your news for possible publication. Newsworthy topics include such things as center/community openings; initiative or campaign launches; announcements of awards, promotions or grants; and other topics of interest to active-aging professionals.
Share