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Cognitive aging: why we need creativity to increase cognitive preservation
Adelinda A Candeias1, Edgar Galindo1
1School of Health and Human Development, Department of Medical Sciences and Health & Comprehensive Health Research Centre, University of Évora, Évora, Portugal.
Health Psychology Report
|December 12, 2023
Summary
Engaging in creative activities may help preserve cognitive skills in older adults. This study found a negative correlation between creative engagement and cognitive decline in both men and women, highlighting creativity
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Aging is typically associated with a decline in cognitive abilities.
- Individual differences exist in cognitive decline rates among the elderly.
- Creative engagement is increasingly recognized as a potential protective factor against cognitive decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between daily creative activities and cognitive skills in elderly individuals.
- To determine if creative engagement is correlated with better cognitive preservation in older adults.
Main Methods:
- A correlational study was conducted with 80 non-institutionalized elderly participants (40 male, 40 female) aged 65-90 in Portugal.
- Participants were assessed on their engagement in daily creative activities.
- Cognitive skills were evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).
Main Results:
- Creative activities showed a negative correlation with cognitive decline in both elderly males and females.
- The findings suggest that engaging in creative production and expression is linked to preserved cognitive functions.
Conclusions:
- Creativity appears to be important for maintaining cognitive health in older age.
- There is a need for strategies to promote and support creative activities among the elderly.
Keywords:
Mini-Mental State Examinationcognitive declinecognitive preservationcreativityengagementinclusionsuccessful agingMore Related Videos
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