Self-rated health as a predictor of cognition among middle-aged and older Latinos.

Self-rated health (SRH) has been used to predict cognitive decline in various populations; however, this relationship has not been examined in Latinos. This study examines the relationship between SRH and cognition among middle-aged and older Latinos. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among Latinos (n = 425, Mage = 64.13 ± 7.65, 82% female). Participants rated their health as poor/fair, good, and excellent and completed cognitive performance tests. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) examined differences in cognition between SRH categories. ANCOVAs showed significant differences in SRH categories for working memory (F [2, 357] = 3.63, p = .028) and global cognition (F [2, 348] = 3.074, p = .047), such that those who self-rated their health as good had better scores compared to participants in the poor/fair category. Findings show that SRH is associated with cognition among middle-aged and older Latinos. SRH may serve as an indicator of early signs of cognitive decline.

Social Cognition and Socioecological Predictors of Home-Based Physical Activity Intentions, Planning, and Habits during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

'Shelter in place' and 'lockdown' orders implemented to minimize the spread of COVID-19 have reduced opportunities to be physically active. For many, the home environment emerged as the only viable option to participate in physical activity. Previous research suggests that availability of exercise equipment functions as a determinant of home-based physical activity participation among the general adult population. The purpose of this study was to use a socioecological framework to investigate how the availability of exercise equipment at home predicts behavioral decisions, namely, intention, planning, and habits with respect to participation in physical activity. Participants (n = 429) were adults recruited in U.S. states subject to lockdown orders during the pandemic who completed measures online. A structural equation model indicated that availability of cardiovascular and strength training equipment predicted physical activity planning. Social cognition constructs mediated the relationship between each type of exercise equipment and intentions. Autonomous motivation and perceived behavioral control were found to mediate the relationship between each type of exercise equipment and habit. The availability of large cardiovascular and strength training equipment demonstrated significant predictive effects with intention, planning, habit, and autonomous motivation. Facilitating these constructs for home-based physical activity interventions could be efficacious for promoting physical activity.