Association Between Cognitive and Physical Activity Participation and Life Satisfaction in Older Adults With Mild...

To investigate the associations between participation in cognitive/physical activities (CAs/PAs) and life satisfaction among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

This cross-sectional study surveyed 1760 older adults with MCI in Japan regarding their engagement in six cognitive and 11 physical activities. MCI was evaluated using a cognitive function test assessing memory, attention, executive function, and processing speed. CA/PA scores were based on participation frequency, and the participants were categorized into tertile groups (high/moderate/low). Life satisfaction was assessed using the Life Satisfaction Scale and dichotomized into high and low categories. A logistic regression model was used to examine the relationship between CAs/PAs and life satisfaction. We also examined the association between life satisfaction and the interaction term between activity participation and MCI subtype (amnestic vs. non-amnestic).

The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for high life satisfaction (using the low score group as the reference) were as follows: CA score (moderate: 1.235 [0.966-1.579]; high: 1.339 [1.051-1.708]) and PA score (moderate: 1.341 [1.051-1.710]; high: 1.369 [1.061-1.769]). Six activities were associated with high life satisfaction: writing for pleasure, participating in organized group discussions, playing tennis, participating in group exercise, climbing stairs, and babysitting. No significant associations between the interaction terms of activity participation and MCI subtype and life satisfaction were observed.

Among older adults with MCI, frequent and diverse engagement in CAs and PAs is associated with high life satisfaction, especially writing, participating in organized group discussions, playing tennis, participating in group exercise, climbing stairs, and babysitting.