Active life style and cognitive function in elderly people

ABSTRACT

With the rapid ageing of the world population, investigating protective factors that may prevent or delay age-related disorders has become a new public health priority. To determine whether participating in Leisure activities [cognitive or/and physical] is associated with better cognitive function in elderly people. The study enrolled 140 physically capable retired participants [both sexes] between 65 to 75 years of age, randomized from different healthy clubs in Alexandria. They were divided into two groups according to their style of life [based on the Leisure Activity Scale]. Standardized Mini- Mental State Examination [SMMSE] was used to assess cognitive status. Those who reported performing leisure activities frequently [group I] were significantly males, younger, and more educated than those who rarely reported activities [group II]. Medically free participants were significantly presented only in group I. Arthritis was significantly more prevalent in group II. Participants who frequently perform leisure activities [group I] significantly had the highest SMMSE scores. There was no significant difference between the participants in group I regarding the duration in years of performing leisure activities. Only in group I, there was a significant positive relation between number of years of performing leisure activities and better cognitive performance [SMMSE scores]. Regular leisure activity [physical and/or cognitive] was strongly associated with better cognitive function in later life