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BMC Geriatrics

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Research article

Cognitive leisure activity and all-cause mortality in older adults: a 4-year community-based cohort

Authors: Xin Liu, Ye Ruan, Limei Huang, Yanfei Guo, Shuangyuan Sun, Hao Chen, Junling Gao, Yan Shi, Qianyi Xiao

Published in: BMC Geriatrics | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Cognitive leisure activity, such as reading, playing mahjong or cards and computer use, is common among older adults in China. Previous studies suggest a negative correlation between cognitive leisure activity and cognitive impairment. However, the relationship between cognitive leisure activity and all-cause mortality has rarely been reported.

Objectives

This study aims to explore the relationships between cognitive leisure activity and all-cause mortality in a community-based older people cohort in China.

Methods

The current study sample comprised 4003 community residents aged ≥60 y who were enrolled in June 2015, and were followed up every year from 2015 to 2018. Reading, playing mahjong or cards and computer use were measured by questionnaires and summed into a cognitive leisure activity index (CLAI) score. Time-Dependent Cox Regression Model and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to examine the association of cognitive leisure activity with all-cause mortality.

Results

During the 4-year follow-up of 4003 participants, 208 (5.2%) deaths were registered. Of all participants, 66.8, 26.7, 6.1 and 0.35% reported CLAI scores of 0, 1, 2 and 3, respectively. A strong association was noted between the CLA score and all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.72, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.54–0.97, P = 0.028). Stratified analysis suggested that a higher CLAI score was significantly associated with a decreased risk of all-cause mortality mainly among those who were male, aged ≥80 y, cognitively impaired, and not diagnosed with cancer (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Cognitive leisure activity was positively associated with reduced risk of death from all cause among the older people in major city of China, which helped promote a comprehensive understanding of health characteristics at advanced ages.

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Title: Cognitive leisure activity and all-cause mortality in older adults: a 4-year community-based cohort
Authors: Xin Liu
Ye Ruan
Limei Huang
Yanfei Guo
Shuangyuan Sun
Hao Chen
Junling Gao
Yan Shi
Qianyi Xiao
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Geriatrics / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2318
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-021-02180-3

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Cognitive leisure activity and all-cause mortality in older adults: a 4-year community-based cohort

Abstract

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Conclusion

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Abstract

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