Productive and Leisure Activities and Cognition in Later Life

NIH RePORTER · NIH · P20 · $117,325 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

The current study will use two large survey data sets to examine the association among productive/leisure activities, genetic factors, and cognitive functioning among older adults. The moderating roles of race/ethnicity and education are also explored. The present study aims to identify modifiable risk and protective factors of cognition. The research questions are the following: 1. What are the associations between productive activities (i.e., work and volunteering) and leisure activities (i.e., cognitive, social, and physical leisure activities) in relation to cognitive functioning among older adults? Engagement in productive activities is associated with higher levels of cognitive functioning. Similarly, engagement in leisure activities is associated with higher levels of cognitive functioning. 2. How do the associations between productive and leisure activities and cognitive functioning differ by race and ethnicity (i.e., non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic)? When considering inequalities across the life course (cumulative (dis)advantage theory), it is expected that racial and ethnic minority older adults have lower cognitive functioning than their White counterparts. 3. What are the associations between productive (i.e., work and volunteering) and leisure activities in relation to cognitive functioning among Japanese-American older adults? Engagement in productive and leisure activities is associated with higher levels of cognitive functioning among Japanese older adults. 4. What factors play moderating roles (e.g., education, genotype) among non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and Japanese-American older adults? It is expected that there are within-group differences in cognitive functioning by education level and genotype among racially and ethnically diverse older adults. The study findings will inform practice and policy to support older adults at risk of cognitive impairment and advance the understanding of cognitive health disparities.

Key facts

NIH application ID
11031081
Project number
5P20GM125526-05
Recipient
KUAKINI MEDICAL CENTER
Principal Investigator
Yeonjung Lee
Activity code
P20
Funding institute
NIH
Fiscal year
2023
Award amount
$117,325
Award type
5
Project period
2023-09-01 → 2026-08-31