Effects of engaging in remunerated productive activities on people with cognitive impairment: a pilot study

Approximately 40% of older adults in Japan express a desire to continue working for as long as possible. In interviews conducted by the authors with members of an inclusive workplace that accommodates individuals regardless of age or background, older adults sought opportunities for social participation and a sense of belonging to society. However, an impairment in cognitive function among older adults presents a significant challenge to their ability to engage in such remunerated productive activities. Therefore, this study examined how participation in remunerated productive activities affects the mental health and cognitive function of older adults with cognitive impairment, as well as the psychological burden on their caregiving families.

All three participants engaged in work activities throughout the 3-month research period. While the scores of all participants in the Japanese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination either declined or remained stable, scores related to mental well-being and work performance improved. Furthermore, two family members of the participants showed improvements in indicators of caregiving burden and depressive symptoms. In interviews with the participants, some expressed fatigue from unfamiliar tasks, but many reported an improvement in both their mental and physical well-being following their involvement in work activities.

This study was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry [UMIN-CTR; ID: UMIN000058022, Registration date: June 1, 2025], and was retrospectively registered.