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When I Move, You Move: Physical Activity and Cognitive Functioning Among Older Dyads in Europe
Laura Himmelmann1, Jeffrey E Stokes2, Tim Stuckenschneider1
1Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Germany.
Sage Open Aging
|February 9, 2026
Summary
Physical activity benefits cognitive function in older adults. Both individual and spouse
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Social Gerontology
Background:
- Cognitive decline is a significant concern in aging populations.
- Dyadic relationships and physical activity are potential modulators of cognitive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of physical activity within dyadic relationships as a predictor of cognitive function in older adults.
- To examine the unique contributions of individual and partner physical activity to cognitive outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE).
- Conducted a two-wave dyadic analysis on 33 opposite-sex couples (mean age 67.7 years).
- Measured physical activity using accelerometers and cognitive function via verbal fluency tests.
- Employed multilevel lagged dependent variable models with mixed effects.
Main Results:
- Individual physical activity (steps) significantly predicted better cognitive function at follow-up (β = .30, p < .001).
- Spouse's physical activity also showed a positive association with cognitive function, though weaker (β = .25, p < .01).
- Partner's physical activity remained a significant predictor even after accounting for individual activity levels.
Conclusions:
- Dyadic processes, including partner's physical activity, uniquely contribute to cognitive health in later life.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering relationship dynamics in promoting cognitive well-being among older adults.
- Suggests potential for couple-based interventions to enhance cognitive function.
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