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Updated: Dec 23, 2025

Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
Reductions in cognitive functioning are associated with decreases in satisfaction with aging. Longitudinal findings
André Hajek1, Elzbieta Buczak-Stec1, Steffi G Riedel-Heller2
1Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to investigate the link between cognitive functioning and satisfaction with aging.
Methods:
Data were drawn from a population-based sample, the German Ageing Survey (wave 5 and wave 6 with n = 6,384 in the analytical sample). The validated Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale was used to quantify satisfaction with aging. Cognitive functioning was measured using the digit symbol test. Linear fixed effects regressions were used.
Results:
Adjusting for socioeconomics and various health-related covariates, regressions showed that decreases in cognitive functioning were associated with decreases in satisfaction with aging (β = .002, p = .02). Furthermore, regressions showed that decreases in satisfaction with aging were associated with increases in age (β=-.01, p < .001), decreases in physical functioning (β = .002, p < .01), worsening self-rated health (β=-.12, p < .001) and they were inversely associated with changes from employment to retirement (β = .11, p < .001).
Conclusion:
Study findings stress the importance of maintaining cognitive functioning for sustaining satisfaction with ageing. Strategies to postpone cognitive decline among middle-aged and older adults may contribute to aging satisfaction and ultimately to successful aging.
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