Types of Social Group Participation and Long-Term Cognitive Preservation in Older Ages

Journal article

Background and Objectives: Participating in social groups predicts better cognitive preservation in older adults in the short term (<5 years). Long-term evidence with direct comparison between specific types of social groups is needed. Research Design and Methods: In the Taiwan Longitudinal Study of Aging (n = 4,009, mean age 64 years), 1,479 individuals reported participation in at least 1 of the 4 common types of social groups at baseline in 2003, including socializing, volunteering, religious, and networking groups. Cognitive function was measured by a modified Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire at years 0 (baseline), 4, 8, and 12. Linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate relative cognitive preservation (in %) compared with individuals who did not participate in social groups at baseline or compared with individuals who participated in different social groups at baseline. Results: We found volunteering group participation was associated with most consistent cognitive preservation at year 4 (35%, 95% CI: +10% to +60%), 8 (+64%, +44% to +84%), and 12 (+57%, +24% to +89%) compared with the individuals who did not participate in social groups, and at year 12 compared with participants of other social groups (+65%, +16% to +114%). Discussion and Implications: Our findings support a long-term prediction of better cognitive preservation among volunteering group participants.

Authors: Hsieh, M; Yang, TO; Li, T; Chiao, C; Ting, T

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Journal: Innovation in Aging
• Volume: 9
• Issue: 4
• Article number: igaf009
• Publication date: 2025-02-22
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igaf009
• EISSN: 2399-5300
• ISSN: 2399-5300
• Language: English
• Keywords: Cognition; Social participation; Volunteers