Perceived control and cognitive function among older adults: The mediating role of social and cognitive activities

This study aimed to examine the mediating effects of activity engagement in the relationship between perceived control and cognitive function among older adults.

Data were obtained from the Health and Retirement Study conducted over three waves (T1, T2, and T3), with a sample size of 1302. Path analysis was used to examine the mediating effects of activity engagement in the relationship between perceived control and cognitive function.

T1 perceived control was significantly associated with T3 cognition (β = 0.055, bootstrapped 95 %CI = [0.012, 0.099]). T1 perceived control had significant indirect effects on T3 cognition through T2 social activity (β = 0.006, bootstrapped 95 %CI = [0.001,0.011]) and T2 cognitive activity (β = 0.007, bootstrapped 95 %CI = [0.001,0.013]).

Older adults with higher perceived control were more likely to engage in social and cognitive activities to stimulate cognitive function. Our study suggested a multifaceted intervention to prevent cognitive impairment through enhancing perceived control in conjunction with training in health-promoting behaviors.