Social participation trajectories in late life and cognitive functioning - A sequence analysis based on Taiwan...

Many studies have linked greater social participation to less cognitive decline with aging. Understanding of how social participation transitions can be associated with older adults' cognitive function is crucial.

We analyzed histories of social participation among middle-aged (50-64 years, n = 1900) and older (65+ years, n = 2500) participants in the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging. We applied sequence analysis to define clustered social participation and work history in 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011. We applied linear regression models for the associations between cluster membership and cognitive function in 2015, measured with the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ). We used multinomial regression analysis to explore the factors related to belonging to a cluster.

In middle-aged adults, participation in multiple social activities was associated with higher cognition scores. Working and multiple activity participation among older adults were associated with higher scores. More active patterns of social participation were found for men, at younger ages, and among non-urban residents.

Our study findings support the value of social engagement and work involvement for healthy cognitive aging. Additionally, we identified subgroups that were more likely to be socially engaged.