Cognitive activity mediates the association between social activity and cognitive performance: A longitudinal study

The Effects of Video Presence on Associative and Source Memory Among Younger and Older Adults in a Virtual Social Simulation

The current study aimed to examine how video presence in a simulated virtual socialization meeting would affect younger (n = 60) and older adults' (n = 65) associative and source memory. Participants were instructed to watch a simulated virtual meeting where speakers introduced themselves with a name and an occupation, half with their video on and the other half with their video off. Participants completed a recognition test of intact, rearranged, and new name-occupation pairs. For pairs recognized as old, participants were asked to identify whether the pair was presented with their video on or off. The associative memory accuracy (i.e., hit rate - false alarm rate) results showed a better performance in younger relative to older adults, but both age groups benefited equally from video presence. Source memory (i.e., video-on vs. video-off) results showed a significant benefit of video presence in older but not younger adults.

Association between social engagement decline and cognitive function changes: mediating effect of depressive symptoms

BACKGROUND

Cognitive decline is a significant public health problem worldwide, but little is known about social engagement's impact on cognitive changes over time. This study aimed to explore the relationship between social engagement decline and cognitive function change in Chinese adults, and to analyze the effect of changes in depressive symptoms on this relationship.

METHODS

Participants were selected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Multiple linear regression was conducted to determine the association between social engagement decline and cognitive function changes, and a three-step method was used to test the mediating role of changes in depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

During the four-year follow-up, participants' overall cognitive function decreased by an average of 0.41 points (3.0%). The decline in social engagement was significantly associated with subsequent poorer global cognitive function (Model 1: β = - 0.060, P =.005; Model 2: β = - 0.056, P =.009), and changes in depressive symptoms partially mediated this effect, accounting for 15.3% of the total effect in Model 1 and 13.8% in Model 2. Model 1 adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, and Model 2 adjusted for health-related factors based on Model 1.

CONCLUSION

When developing programs for cognitive improvement in middle-aged and older adults, measures to enhance social engagement should be considered. This may not only reduce depressive symptoms but also help to minimize cognitive decline.

More cognitive gains from social activity in the oldest-old: evidence from a 10-year longitudinal study

Background

Previous research has indicated that engagement in social activities has proven advantageous for diminishing the likelihood of cognitive decline. However, no study has examined whether such cognitive benefits were to a similar extent for the young-old, the old-old, and the oldest-old groups. The purpose of this research was to determine whether aging would have an impact on the changes in cognitive function that would occur in older adults with varying degrees of social involvement.

Methods

The sample for this study comprised 4,481 older adults who participated in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) during the waves spanning from 2008 to 2018. At baseline, participants were classified into the young-old (60-69 years; M age = 66.66; SD = 1.87), the old-old (70-79 years; M age = 74.21; SD = 2.82), and the oldest-old (80 years or older; M age = 86.46; SD = 5.71) groups.

Results

The level of cognitive function decreased as participants aged. Importantly, compared to those lacking social activities, individuals who were got involved in social engagement at baseline had slower rates of cognitive decline over time. Furthermore, compared with the young-old group and the old-old group, the impact of social activity engagement on slowing cognitive decline was more salient for the oldest-old group.

Conclusion

Active engagement in social activities can slow age-related cognitive decline, particularly for the oldest-old group. To preserve cognitive function with aging, attention and resources should be allocated to encourage social activity engagement.

Gender Selectively Mediates the Association Between Sex and Memory in Cognitively Normal Older Adults

Background and Objectives

Sex and gender are important topics of increasing interest in aging and dementia research. Few studies have jointly examined sex (as a biological attribute) and gender (as a sociocultural and behavioral characteristic) within a single study. We explored a novel data mining approach to include both sex and gender as potentially related influences in memory aging research.

Research Design and Methods

Participants were 746 cognitively normal older adults from the Victoria Longitudinal Study. First, we adapted the Gender Outcomes INternational Group: To Further Well-being Development (GOING-FWD) framework-which is informed by gender dimensions of the Women's Health Research Network-to identify, extract, and operationalize gender-related variables in the database. Second, we applied principal component analysis (PCA) to a pool of potential gender variables for creating empirically derived gender-related components. Third, we verified the expected pattern of sex differences in memory performance and evaluated each gender-related component as a potential mediator of the observed sex-memory association.

Results

Systematic data mining produced a roster of potential gender-related variables, 56 of which corresponded to gender dimensions represented in the GOING-FWD framework. The PCA revealed 6 gender-related components (n indicators = 37): Manual Non-Routine Household Tasks, Subjective Memory Beliefs, Leisure Free Time, Social and Routine Household Management, Health Perceptions and Practices, and Brain Games. We observed sex differences in latent memory performance whereby females outperformed males. Sex differences in memory performance were mediated by Manual Non-Routine Household Tasks, Social and Routine Household Management, and Brain Games. Follow-up analyses showed that education also mediated the sex-memory association.

Discussion and Implications

We show that (i) data mining can identify and operationalize gender-related variables in archival aging and dementia databases, (ii) these variables can be examined for associations with sex, and (iii) sex differences in memory performance are mediated by selected facets of gender.

SuperAgers and centenarians, dynamics of healthy ageing with cognitive resilience

Graceful healthy ageing and extended longevity is the most desired goal for human race. The process of ageing is inevitable and has a profound impact on the gradual deterioration of our physiology and health since it triggers the onset of many chronic conditions like dementia, osteoporosis, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. However, some people who lived/live more than 100 years called 'Centenarians" and how do they achieve their extended lifespans are not completely understood. Studying these unknown factors of longevity is important not only to establish a longer human lifespan but also to manage and treat people with shortened lifespans suffering from age-related morbidities. Furthermore, older adults who maintain strong cognitive function are referred to as "SuperAgers" and may be resistant to risk factors linked to cognitive decline. Investigating the mechanisms underlying their cognitive resilience may contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies that support the preservation of cognitive function as people age. The key to a long, physically, and cognitively healthy life has been a mystery to scientists for ages. Developments in the medical sciences helps us to a better understanding of human physiological function and greater access to medical care has led us to an increase in life expectancy. Moreover, inheriting favorable genetic traits and adopting a healthy lifestyle play pivotal roles in promoting longer and healthier lives. Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking contribute to overall well-being. The synergy between positive lifestyle choices, access to education, socio-economic factors, environmental determinants and genetic supremacy enhances the potential for a longer and healthier life. Our article aims to examine the factors associated with healthy ageing, particularly focusing on cognitive health in centenarians. We will also be discussing different aspects of ageing including genomic instability, metabolic burden, oxidative stress and inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, immunosenescence, and sarcopenia.

The mediating roles of depressive symptoms and social participation in the relationship between the effects of pain and cognitive function among Chinese older adults: A longitudinal study

Decline in cognitive function poses a substantial burden on individuals, families, and society. However, the longitudinal potential mechanism underlying the link of pain and cognitive function remains unclear. Using data of 4247 participants aged 60 years and over from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2011, 2013, 2018, and 2020, we discussed the longitudinal predictive effect of pain on cognitive function and the mediating effects of depressive symptoms and social participation. The longitudinal mediation model analysis revealed that pain could not directly influence cognitive function, but it could indirectly predict cognitive function through the independent mediation effects of depressive symptoms and social participation. Moreover, the association between pain and cognitive function was serially mediated by depressive symptoms and social participation. Diversified interventions aimed at relieving pain and depressive symptoms, and increasing social participation in older adults would be beneficial for their cognitive function.

The Effect of Home- and Community-Based Services on Social Engagement

Objectives: Home- and community-based services (HCBS) help older adults to remain active in community settings. However, it is not known if there is a causal relationship between HCBS and social engagement. Methods: We used data from the 2010 and 2012 Health and Retirement Study and measured the effect of HCBS on social engagement via nearest-neighbor Mahalanobis matching, optimal pair matching, genetic matching, and optimal full matching. Results: Genetic matching showed that the odds of social engagement for participants who received at least one HCBS (congregate meal, home-delivered meal, transportation service, case management, homemaker or housekeeping services, or caregiver services) in the prior two years was 1.07 times more likely than participants who have not received any HCBS (robust SE = .030, p = .040). Discussion: HCBS may remove barriers to social engagement through increasing older adults' personal resources and personal networks.

Eight-year trajectories and predictors of cognitive function in community-dwelling Korean older adults with cardiovascular diseases

PURPOSE

This study aims to identify longitudinal patterns and predictors of cognitive function trajectories among Korean older adults with cardiovascular diseases.

DESIGN

This study is a longitudinal panel analysis based on secondary data. Data from the the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA) were used for analysis.

METHODS

The KLoSA is a representative panel survey of older Koreans. We analyzed responses from 301 participants aged ≥65 years who completed the same survey more than three times out of five waves between 2012 and 2020.

FINDINGS

Latent class growth modeling identified two trajectories of cognitive function in older people with cardiovascular diseases: "low and declining" (n = 81, 26.9%) and "high and declining" (n = 220, 73.1%). Participants in "the low and declining trajectory group" were more likely to have a low educational level, weak handgrip strength, depression, and low social participation at baseline than those in "the high and declining trajectory group."

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate a need to develop community-based tailored interventions for improving handgrip strength, mental health, and social participation in delaying cognitive decline in older people with cardiovascular diseases considering their educational level.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Healthcare providers should be more concerned about older people with a weaker handgrip, depression, and low social activities as a high-risk group for cognitive decline over time in cardiovascular care. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate them early with standardized tools and make subsequent strategies for the older population with cardiovascular diseases.

The association between functional social support and memory in middle-aged and older adults: A Prospective Analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging's Comprehensive Cohort

BACKGROUND

Functional social support (FSS) impacts memory function through biological and psychological pathways. In a national sample of middle-aged and older adults in Canada, we explored the association between FSS and changes in memory over three years and investigated effect modification by age group and sex.

METHODS

We analyzed data from the Comprehensive Cohort of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). FSS was measured with the Medical Outcomes Study - Social Support Survey; memory was measured with combined z-scores from immediate and delayed recall administrations of a modified version of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test. We regressed memory change scores over three years on baseline overall FSS and four FSS subtypes in separate multiple linear regression models, controlling for sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle covariates. We also stratified our models by age group and sex.

RESULT

We found positive associations between higher FSS and improvement in memory score, although only the tangible FSS subtype (availability of practical assistance) was significantly associated with changes in memory (β^ = 0.07; 95% confidence interval = 0.01, 0.14). After stratification by age group and sex, this association remained significant for males, although we found no evidence of effect modification.

CONCLUSION

In a cognitively healthy sample of middle-aged and older adults, we found a statistically significant and positive association between tangible FSS and memory change over three years of follow-up. We did not find adults with low FSS to be at increased risk of memory decline compared to adults with higher FSS.

The association of spousal depressive symptoms and cognitive function among older adults: mediation and moderated mediation analyses

OBJECTIVES

To test whether contagious depressive symptoms mediate the association between spousal depressive symptoms (spousal-DS) and the other spouse's cognitive function, and test the moderated mediation of social activities engagement and sleep quality.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 3,230 adults aged ≥60 and one of his/her close relatives were interviewed in 2016 in Xiamen, China.

METHODS

Cognitive function and depressive symptoms were measured by MoCA and GDS-15/CES-D-10, respectively. Social activities engagement and sleep quality were self-reported. Mediation and moderated mediation were tested by PROCESS macro with 5000 bootstrapping re-samples.

RESULT

Among all, 1,193 pairs were husband-wife with complete information and were included. The mean ages of older adults and their spouses were 68.35 ± 6.53 and 66.53 ± 7.91 years, respectively. The mean MoCA and GDS-15 scores for older adults were 22.21 ± 5.45 and 1.73 ± 2.17, respectively. The average score of CES-D-10 for spouses was 14.18 ± 4.77. Spousal-DS were associated with cognitive functions of older adults via the contagious depressive symptoms (indirect effect: -0.048, 95% confidence interval (CI): (-0.075, -0.028)). Such mediation can be buffered by attending social activities (interaction: -0.062, 95% CI: (-0.111, -0.013)) and improving sleep quality (interaction: -0.034, 95% CI: (-0.057, -0.012)).

CONCLUSION

Cognitive function of older adults was associated with his/her spouse's depressive symptoms, and the association was mediated by contagious depressive symptoms and moderated by social activities as well as sleep quality.

Moderators of the Association Between Contact Frequency With Non-Cohabitating Adult Children and Depressive Symptoms Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

OBJECTIVE

Contact frequency with adult children plays a critical role in late-life depression. However, evidence on possible moderators of this association remains limited. Moreover, considering alterations in contact modes after the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic, there is a need to investigate this association post-pandemic to develop effective therapeutic interventions.

METHODS

This study included 7,573 older adults who completed the Living Profiles of the Older People Survey in Korea. Participants' contact frequency and depressive symptoms were analyzed. Regression analysis was performed after adjusting for covariates. The moderating effects of variables were verified using a process macro.

RESULTS

Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that infrequent face-to-face (odd ratio [OR]=1.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.55-2.22) and non-face-to-face contact (OR=1.23, 95% CI=1.04-1.45) in the non-cohabitating adult children group was associated with a higher risk of late-life depression compared to that in the frequent contact group. Linear regression analysis indicated consistent results for face-to-face and non-face-to-face contact (estimate=0.458, standard error [SE]=0.090, p<0.001 and estimate=0.236, SE= 0.074, p=0.001, respectively). Moderation analysis revealed that the association between late-life depression and frequency of face-toface contact was moderated by age, household income quartiles, number of chronic diseases, physical activity frequency, presence of spouse, nutritional status, and whether the effect of frequency of non-face-to-face contact on late-life depression was increased by participation in social activity, frequent physical activity, and good cognitive function (p for interaction<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Frequent contact with non-cohabitating children lowers the risk of depression later in life. Several variables were identified as significant moderators of contact frequency and depression symptoms.

Investigating Heterogeneity in the Relationship Between Marital Satisfaction and Cognitive Health by Gender and Across the Cognitive Function Distribution

Background and Objectives

Marital satisfaction has been established as an essential factor for promoting health and well-being in older adults. However, it is unclear whether marital satisfaction is also associated with cognitive health in this population. This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal association between marital satisfaction and cognitive function, while also exploring variations in this relationship by gender and across the cognitive function distribution.

Research Design and Methods

This study used 6 waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA) and employed gender-stratified unconditional quantile regression (UQR) models with fixed effects (FE) to estimate the association between marital satisfaction and cognitive function across different quantiles of the cognitive function distribution. FE models controlled for unobserved individual-level confounders such as genetics, cognitive and noncognitive skills, and early childhood social and cultural background.

Results

The results of this study revealed that marital satisfaction was positively associated with cognitive function (b = 0.305), and this association was stronger in older men than in older women (b = 0.392 for older men vs b = 0.181 for older women). The UQR-FE models suggested that stronger association between marital satisfaction and cognitive function was observed among older men with lower cognitive function (b = 0.817 for 10th percentile vs b = 0.118 for 90th percentile). Among older women, no clear patterns of heterogeneity were found across the cognitive function distribution.

Discussion and Implications

The findings of this study highlight a significant degree of heterogeneity in the relationship between marital satisfaction and cognitive function among older men, with stronger associations observed in the lower percentiles of the cognitive function distribution. Interventions aimed at improving marital quality could be an effective strategy for promoting cognitive health in older adults, with an approach tailored to the individual's characteristics.

Usability and feasibility of a digital cognitive screening tool measuring older adults' early postoperative neurocognitive recovery: a protocol for a pilot study

INTRODUCTION

Delayed neurocognitive recovery, also identified as early postoperative cognitive decline (POCD), is a common complication after surgery, with advanced age being the most important risk factor. As the geriatric population is increasing worldwide, and number of older adults undergoing surgery continues to rise, so will the incidence of POCD. Only a small proportion use digital cognitive tests for measuring postoperative neurocognitive performance compared with analogue tests. This study aims to evaluate a digital cognitive screening tool, Mindmore Postoperative version (Mindmore-P), in a perioperative setting to determine its feasibility and usability, and to compare preoperative cognition with early postoperative neurocognitive performance. Further, to determine associations between neurocognitive performance and perioperative factors as well as to explore patients' experiences of early neurocognitive recovery.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will include 50 patients (aged ≥60 years) undergoing elective abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia. Cognitive functions will be measured with Mindmore-P preoperatively and on postoperative day (POD) 1 or 2 as well as 2-3 weeks after surgery. Preoperatively, frailty, (Clinical Frailty Scale), depression (Geriatric Depression Scale-15), functional status (12-item WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0) and pre-recovery status (Swedish web version Quality of Recovery Scale, SwQoR) will be measured. Delirium will be assessed by Nu-DESC (Nursing Delirium Screening Scale) twice a day, with start on POD 1 and until the patient is discharged from the hospital. Outcomes at 2-3 weeks postoperatively are postoperative recovery (SwQoR), depression, functional status and usability (System Usability Scale) of Mindmore-P. Postoperative recovery will also be measured POD 1 or 2. We will also explore feasibility and experience of early postoperative neurocognitive recovery with interviews approximately 1 month after surgery.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study is approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (REC Reference: 2022-03593-01) and will follow the principles outlined in the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments. Results from this study will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, scientific conferences and in social media.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05564195.

Waist-to-calf circumstance ratio and cognitive function among Chinese older adults: Mediating roles of physical performance and social activity

Background

In light of the potentially detrimental effects of central fat and decreased muscle mass on cognitive function, it would be beneficial to learn more about the mediating mechanisms underpinning the association between the two. The purpose of this study is to determine the association between waist-to-calf circumstance ratio (WCR) and cognitive function, as well as to investigate whether physical performance and social activity mediate the relationship between WCR and cognitive function among older Chinese adults.

Methods

An analysis of 9,652 older Chinese adults was conducted during the 2018 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey (CLHLS). The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and a self-reported scale were used to measure cognitive function, physical performance, and social activity, respectively. Multiple linear regression and mediation analyses were conducted.

Results

The findings suggest that a high WCR had a significant negative association with cognitive function (B = -0.535, 95% CI: -0.754, -0.317). Mediation analysis revealed that a high WCR influenced old adults' cognitive function in three ways: first, through the partial mediating effect of physical performance (B = -0.270; 95% CI: -0.340, -0.203); second, through the partial mediating effect of social activity (B = -0.035; 95% CI: -0.055, -0.017); and third, through the serial mediating effects of physical performance and social activity (B = -0.021, 95% CI: -0.029, -0.015).

Conclusion

The study results suggest the adverse impact of a high WCR on older adults' cognitive function, and the possible mechanisms of physical performance and social activity by which the association takes place. Multidimensional health and social interventions aimed at improving physical, social, and cognitive functioning among older adults with sarcopenic obesity are recommended.

A Decade Later on How to "Use It" So We Don't "Lose It": An Update on the Unanswered Questions about the Influence of Activity Participation on Cognitive Performance in Older Age

Activity engagement is a modifiable factor that has been widely-cited as being good for the aging brain and cognition and represents a valuable target for reducing dementia risk. However, specific issues about activity engagement (mental, social, and physical) and cognition in older adulthood remain, and Bielak [Gerontology 2010;56: 507-519] reviewed seven major methodological and theoretical questions about this relationship. We present an updated reflection on these key questions, focusing on research published in the last 10 years. For some questions, a significant amount of work has been done and conclusions have become clearer; for others, there have been few additions to the literature and our knowledge remains much the same as it was a decade ago. We review the issues identified in the 2010 paper including the directionality and temporal nature of the relationship; whether specific activity domains offer different benefits to cognition and what domain(s) of cognition are affected; variation in the relation by age, gender, or education; potential mechanisms involved; and how activity engagement is assessed. For each, we present the most up-to-date research, discuss remaining challenges and possible future directions. This formal unifying of the information in the field is intended as a guide to support continued progress by spurring on studies addressing specific questions while reminding researchers of critical issues. We conclude with recommendations that future studies investigating the link between activity engagement and cognitive performance in adulthood should consider.

The moderating effect of cognitive function on the association between social support and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults: Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses

BACKGROUND

The moderating effect of cognitive function on the association between social support and late-life depressive symptoms has not been thoroughly investigated. Identifying cognitive function as a possible moderator of this association might help plan community-based interventions for late-life depressive symptoms.

METHODS

Participants were community-dwelling older adults who visited a community-based mental health center. The ENRICHD Social Support Instrument and the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale were used to evaluate social support and depressive symptoms, respectively. Cognitive function was assessed using the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination. Data from 1088 and 506 participants were included in the cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the effects of social support on depressive symptoms and the possible moderating effect of cognition.

RESULTS

After adjusting for possible confounders, greater social support at baseline was associated with fewer depressive symptoms in both cross-sectional (estimate = -0.25 standard error [SE] = 0.03, P < 0.001) and longitudinal analyses (estimate = -0.11, SE = 0.05, P = 0.014). Moreover, the association between social support and depressive symptoms was significantly moderated by cognitive function (P for interaction < 0.001 for cross-sectional analysis, and P for interaction = 0.011 for longitudinal analysis).

LIMITATIONS

The tool for assessing social support was self-reported. There may have been a selection bias in the study sample.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater social support was associated with fewer late-life depressive symptoms in both analyses. However, social support may have less benefits for alleviating depressive symptoms in older adults with cognitive decline.

Building and rebuilding trust in higher education institutions (HEIs). Student's perspective

Purpose

The importance of trust in student–university relations is relevant not only for the quality of the educational process and the satisfaction with studying achieved by students, but also for the importance of positive evaluation of HEIs to others. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the stages and mechanisms that build trust in student–university relations, the causes of trust violation and trust repair practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Public university students from Poland (16) and Germany (12) took part in the study based on semi-structured interviews. The research procedure followed an inductive approach. In addition, the critical events technique was used to identify trust violation and trust repair practices.

Findings

The study identifies the stages of the HEIs trust building process and the mechanisms upon which it is built. It attempts to catalogue trust violations, distinguishing three groups of “perpetrators” and categories of their differentiation in terms of their impact on trust. The study indicates ad hoc, informal methods of trust repair applied at HEIs and their conditions.

Practical implications

This study provides useful guidance for managers on how to build and maintain trust in HEIs.

Originality/value

The issue of trust building in HEIs is relatively new and therefore has not been sufficiently recognised to date. This study is the first to the author's knowledge to comprehensively address the problem of trust building, pointing out the mechanisms on which the formation of trust in HEIs is based. This study provides a novel contribution to the limited literature on trust violation and trust repair in HEIs.

The Trait of Extraversion as an Energy-Based Determinant of Entrepreneur’s Success—The Case of Poland

The fact that personality traits play an important role when it comes to predicting people’s entrepreneurial behavior is currently indisputable. However, so far, the majority of subject literature has focused on employee characteristics in developed countries. To address this gap, research was conducted, including 188 entrepreneurs of small and medium enterprises (SME) and 21 highest-level employees in Poland—one of the countries with the most hostile and turbulent environment for entrepreneurial operations in the world. The five personality traits (Big Five) were evaluated using the 60-item scale. There were three objectives of this study: to identify the differences between entrepreneurs and the most effective, highest-level employees, in the context of personality trait intensities, to determine the level of specific trait(s) intensities (OCEAN) of an effective entrepreneur. Finally, to determine whether it is possible to construct a model based on BIG5 to estimate the probability of success as an entrepreneur. The research results imply there are significant differences between successful entrepreneurs and highly effective employees and their personality trait intensities, described in the BIG5 model. Moreover, it is possible to distinguish trait intensity ranges, determining the success as an entrepreneur. Finally, we constructed the empirically based model, which allows us to estimate the chances of an individual succeeding as an entrepreneur with only a 5% error rate. The main factor and common denominator of entrepreneurial effectiveness is the trait of extraversion. The findings of our study are particularly important for the renewable energy sector in Poland, as the last part of green energy implementing blockchain (e.g., the installation and maintenance of wind turbines and solar panels) is being undertaken, in vast majority, by independent contractors and SME owners (entrepreneurs).

I CrossFit; Do You? Cross-Sectional Peer Similarity of Physical Activity Behavior in a Group High Intensity Functional Training Setting

Physical activity (PA) is essential for physical, mental, and emotional health; however, few adults engage in enough PA. Group exercise environments such as CrossFit can promote sustained exercise habits through social influence, support, and norms. This cross-sectional study aims to provide evidence for PA social influence at CrossFit. CrossFit members (n = 62) reported PA, workout logging frequency, and members at their gym they: (1) work out with and (2) go to with personal matters. Separate linear network autocorrelation models (LNAMs) determined if individuals reported similar PA scores as those of their social ties at CrossFit that they work out with and/or those they go to for personal matters. Participants reported a mean of 2740.55 MET minutes/week (SD = 1847.08), working out with a mean of 9.89 members (SD = 6.26), and speaking to a mean of 2.66 members about personal matters (SD = 3.68). A person's PA was significantly associated with that of their ties they go to with personal matters (PE_p = 0.08, SE_p = 0.02), but was not associated with the PA of their ties they work out with (PE_w = 0.02, SE_w = 0.01). Social influence on PA levels was present when a deeper connection is made between members. Fostering and promoting deeper connections between members may help promote PA and continued exercise habits.

What are friends for? The impact of friendship on communicative efficiency and cortisol response during collaborative problem solving among younger and older women

Conversation is a skilled activity that depends on cognitive and social processes, both of which develop through adulthood. We examined the effects of age and partner familiarity on communicative efficiency and cortisol reactivity. Younger and older women interacted with familiar or unfamiliar partners in a dyadic collaborative conversation task (N = 8 in each group). Regardless of age, referential expressions among familiar and unfamiliar partners became more efficient over time, and cortisol concentrations were lower for speakers interacting with familiar partners. These findings suggest that communicative effectiveness is largely preserved with age, as is the stress-buffering effect of a familiar partner.

Autoregressive cross-lagged modelling of the relationship between social activity, depressive symptoms, and cognitive function in Korean elderly

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to verify the reciprocal relationship between social activity, depressive symptoms, and cognitive function in Korean elderly, utilizing data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (conducted by the Korea Employment Information Service biennially from 2006 to 2018).

METHODS

The data of 5549 people aged 60 and over (mean age 70.27 years, standard deviation = 7.26) were used in the final analysis. Autoregressive cross-lagged analysis was used to examine bidirectional relationships between the variables over time. Frequency of participation in social activities, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination were used to measure social activity, depressive symptoms, and cognitive function.

RESULTS

Results of the analysis were as follows. First, social activity was found to have a negative effect on depressive symptoms over time, but depressive symptoms did not affect social activity. Second, a bidirectional relationship between depressive symptoms and cognitive function was identified. In other words, more depressive symptoms were related to lower cognitive function, and cognitive function had a negative impact on depressive symptoms over time. Third, social activity was found to positively affect cognitive function, but cognitive function did not affect social activity over time.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that social activity is closely related to depressive symptoms and cognitive function in the elderly, and suggests that social activity can be a key preventive factor for depression and cognitive impairment in this population.

Social factors that predict cognitive decline in older African American adults

OBJECTIVES

Projections from the United States Census Bureau suggest that the African American population may be the fastest growing race over the next 30 years and that they may be at the highest risk for developing dementia later in life. Various social factors have been shown to be associated with cognitive function and health outcomes. The present study aims to evaluate the relationship between social engagement and cognitive decline in a cohort of older African American adults.

METHODS

We utilized multilevel modeling to examine the association between cognitive decline and social engagement in a sample of 617 older African American adults.

RESULTS

Social activity was associated with global cognition, perceptual speed, perceptual orientation, and episodic memory over time. Loneliness was associated with better semantic memory performance over time. Perceived discrimination was associated with better semantic memory performance over time. Larger social network was associated with worse perceptual speed scores over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Although our findings on loneliness and perceived discrimination over time were inconsistent with prior research, our findings on social activity and social network size over time were consistent with past literature and are thought to be due to positive social interactions providing a catalyst for cognitively stimulating activities. These results suggest that interventions designed to preserve cognition in African American older adults should incorporate adequate social activity. Furthermore, to maximize effectiveness, interventions should not necessarily focus on just expanding one's social network.

The Role, Education, and Experience of Health Care Assistants in End-of-Life Care in Long-Term Care: A Scoping Review

The changing age profile of the human population globally means that the requirement for residential long-term care (LTC) for older adults is escalating, with an associated increase in deaths in these facilities. Health care assistants (HCAs), whose main role is provision of direct care to residents, comprise the largest staff cohort in residential care for older adults. The purpose of this scoping review was to explore three key areas related to HCAs: their role and responsibilities, end-of-life (EOL) education, and their views and experiences of caring for residents at EOL. The literature search included five databases and 32 studies were ultimately reviewed. Key issues were as follows: HCAs feel marginalized and undervalued, they need and desire EOL education, and resident deaths impact negatively on them. The changing care needs for older adults with complex comorbidities at EOL in LTC will place an increased onus on HCAs' skills, knowledge, and personal and professional development. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 46(1), 21-29.].

The long-term association between social activity, cognitive function and life satisfaction in Korean older adults: Analyzing 10 years of data using multivariate latent growth modeling

AIM

The aim of this study was to verify the long-term effect between social activity, cognitive function and life satisfaction in Korean older adults after adjusting for gender, age, and education. In addition, we test the mediating impact of cognitive function on the relationship between social activity and life satisfaction.

METHODS

This study used the data from Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging survey, which was conducted biennially from 2006 to 2016. Data of 4,164 adults aged 65 years and older (mean age = 73.0 years) were analyzed with multivariate latent growth modeling.

RESULTS

Results indicate that increases in social activity were related to increases in cognitive function and life satisfaction. Increases in cognitive function were associated with increases in life satisfaction. Finally, social activity indirectly impacted life satisfaction through cognitive function.

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that efforts to maintain social activity and cognitive function are needed to improve life satisfaction in older adults.

Social Isolation and Cognitive Function in Later Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

There is some evidence to suggest that social isolation may be associated with poor cognitive function in later life. However, findings are inconsistent and there is wide variation in the measures used to assess social isolation.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the association between social isolation and cognitive function in later life.

METHODS

A search for longitudinal studies assessing the relationship between aspects of social isolation (including social activity and social networks) and cognitive function (including global measures of cognition, memory, and executive function) was conducted in PsycInfo, CINAHL, PubMed, and AgeLine. A random effects meta-analysis was conducted to assess the overall association between measures of social isolation and cognitive function. Sub-analyses investigated the association between different aspects of social isolation and each of the measures of cognitive function.

RESULTS

Sixty-five articles were identified by the systematic review and 51 articles were included in the meta-analysis. Low levels of social isolation characterized by high engagement in social activity and large social networks were associated with better late-life cognitive function (r = 0.054, 95% CI: 0.043, 0.065). Sub-analyses suggested that the association between social isolation and measures of global cognitive function, memory, and executive function were similar and there was no difference according to gender or number of years follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Aspects of social isolation are associated with cognitive function in later life. There is wide variation in approaches to measuring social activity and social networks across studies which may contribute to inconsistencies in reported findings.

Rationale and protocol of the StayFitLonger study: a multicentre trial to measure efficacy and adherence of a home-based computerised multidomain intervention in healthy older adults

Background

In older adults, multidomain training that includes physical and cognitive activities has been associated with improvement of physical and cognitive health. The goal of the multisite StayFitLonger study is to assess a home-based computerised training programme, which combines physical exercises, stimulating cognitive activities and virtual coaching.

Methods

One hundred twenty-eight cognitively healthy older adults will be recruited from the community in Switzerland, Canada and Belgium. The study will comprise (1) a 26-week double-blind randomized controlled efficacy trial and (2) a 22-week pragmatic adherence sub-study. In the efficacy trial, participants will be randomly assigned to an experimental or an active control intervention. In the experimental intervention, participants will use the StayFitLonger programme, which is computerised on a tablet and provides content that combines physical activities with a focus on strength and balance, as well as divided attention, problem solving and memory training. Outcomes will be measured before and after 26 weeks of training. The primary efficacy outcome will be performance on the “Timed-Up & Go” test. Secondary outcomes will include measures of frailty, cognition, mood, fear of falling, quality of life, and activities of daily living. Age, sex, education, baseline cognition, expectation, and adherence will be used as moderators of efficacy. Following the 26-week efficacy trial, all participants will use the experimental programme meaning that participants in the control group will ‘cross over’ to receive the StayFitLonger programme for 22 weeks. Adherence will be measured in both groups based on dose, volume and frequency of use. In addition, participants’ perception of the programme and its functionalities will be characterised through usability, acceptability and user experience.

Discussion

This study will determine the efficacy, adherence and participants’ perception of a home-based multidomain intervention programme and its functionalities. This will allow for further development and possible commercialization of a scientifically validated training programme.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04237519 Registered on January 22, 2020 - Retrospectively registered.

Natural History of Social Participation in the Very Old: Findings from the Newcastle 85+ Study

Objective: To describe the natural history of social participation in people aged 85 years and over. Methods: Prospective cohort study; Newcastle 85+ study. Data were collected at baseline (n = 850) and at 18-, 36- and 60-month follow-ups (n = 344). Participation in 19 social activities (e.g. playing bingo, doing volunteer work and watching television) was measured at each time point. Results: The mean number of activities reported at baseline was 8.7 (SD 2.6). The number of activities was higher in those with higher educational attainment and intact walking ability (both p < .001). Social participation decreased significantly over time (p < .001) and at a similar rate in both sexes and for those with/without limited walking ability but at a higher rate in those with higher than lower educational attainment (p = .019). Discussion: Social participation seems to decrease significantly between ages 85 and 90 years; ways of encouraging social participation in this age group are needed.

Greater lifestyle engagement is associated with better age-adjusted cognitive abilities

Previous evidence suggests that modifiable lifestyle factors, such as engagement in leisure activities, might slow the age-related decline of cognitive functions. Less is known, however, about which aspects of lifestyle might be particularly beneficial to healthy cognitive ageing, and whether they are associated with distinct cognitive domains (e.g. fluid and crystallized abilities) differentially. We investigated these questions in the cross-sectional Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience (Cam-CAN) data (N = 708, age 18-88), using data-driven exploratory structural equation modelling, confirmatory factor analyses, and age-residualized measures of cognitive differences across the lifespan. Specifically, we assessed the relative associations of the following five lifestyle factors on age-related differences of fluid and crystallized age-adjusted abilities: education/SES, physical health, mental health, social engagement, and intellectual engagement. We found that higher education, better physical and mental health, more social engagement and a greater degree of intellectual engagement were each individually correlated with better fluid and crystallized cognitive age-adjusted abilities. A joint path model of all lifestyle factors on crystallized and fluid abilities, which allowed a simultaneous assessment of the lifestyle domains, showed that physical health, social and intellectual engagement and education/SES explained unique, complementary variance, but mental health did not make significant contributions above and beyond the other four lifestyle factors and age. The total variance explained for fluid abilities was 14% and 16% for crystallized abilities. Our results are compatible with the hypothesis that intellectually and physically challenging as well as socially engaging activities are associated with better crystallized and fluid performance across the lifespan.

Music Making and Neuropsychological Aging: A Review

Aging is associated with a decline in social understanding and general cognition. Both are integral to wellbeing and rely on similar brain regions. Thus, as the population ages, there is a growing need for knowledge on the types of activities that maintain brain health in older adulthood. Active engagement in music making might be one such activity because it places a demand on brain networks tapping into multisensory integration, learning, reward, and cognition. It has been hypothesized that this demand may promote plasticity in the frontal and temporal lobes by taxing cognitive abilities and, hence, increase resistance to age-related neurodegeneration. We examine research relevant to this hypothesis and note that there is a lack of intervention studies with a well-matched control condition and random assignment. Thus, we discuss potential causal mechanisms underlying training-related neuropsychological changes, and provide suggestions for future research. It is argued that although music training might be a valuable tool for supporting healthy neuropsychological aging and mental wellbeing, well-controlled intervention studies are necessary to provide clear evidence.

Social support availability is positively associated with memory in persons aged 45-85 years: A cross-sectional analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

OBJECTIVES

This study examines the association between a modifiable psychosocial factor, social support availability (SSA), and the memory domain of cognitive function in persons aged 45-85 years.

METHODS

We used baseline data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) (n = 21,241) to conduct multiple linear regression analyses of the association between SSA (overall and four subscales) and memory. The CLSA assessed immediate and delayed recall memory using the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT).

RESULTS

Higher levels of each type of SSA were positively associated with better performance on both immediate and delayed recall memory. The largest associations (β coefficients [95% confidence intervals]) for z-score differences on the RAVLT were observed for overall SSA (immediate: 0.07 [0.04-0.10]; delayed recall: 0.06 [0.02-0.09]) and the emotional/informational subscale (immediate: 0.06 [0.03-0.09]; delayed recall: 0.05 [0.02-0.08]).

CONCLUSION

SSA is modifiable and positively associated with memory. Public health initiatives to provide support resources such as material aid, emotional support, or companionship may entail positive benefits for memory. Promotion of SSA is also important for policies encouraging early diagnosis and intervention in dementia.

Social networks and social activities promote cognitive functioning in both concurrent and prospective time: evidence from the SHARE survey

The study aimed to investigate the role of social activities, social networks as well as socioeconomic status (SES) in influencing some aspects of cognitive functioning (immediate and delayed verbal recall tests and semantic verbal fluency) in elderly people over time. This analysis was conducted on a sample of 31,954 healthy elderly people (58% female, mean age 65.54 ± 9.74) interviewed in both the fourth and sixth waves of the Survey on Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), in 2011 and 2015. A structural equation model with measurement component was used to assess the relationship between cognitive function, social life and SES over time. Multilevel ordinal logistic regression was applied to explain satisfaction with social network in relation to different types of social network across countries. Being equipped with good cognitive skills did not seem to be predictive of their maintenance over time (latent coefficient = 0.24, p value = 0.34). On the contrary, the subject's social and participatory life, understood as satisfying one's social network and engaging in diversified non-professional social activities, seemed to play a crucial role in the maintenance of cognitive functions in the elderly (latent coefficient = 3.5, p value = 0.03). This research suggests that a socially active and participatory lifestyle mitigates the effects of the physiological process of brain aging.

Aging gracefully: social engagement joins exercise and enrichment as a key lifestyle factor in resistance to age-related cognitive decline

Cognitive impairment is a consequence of the normal aging process that effects many species, including humans and rodent models. Decline in hippocampal memory function is especially prominent with age and often reduces quality of life. As the aging population expands, the need for interventional strategies to prevent cognitive decline has become more pressing. Fortunately, several major lifestyle factors have proven effective at combating hippocampal aging, the most well-known of which are environmental enrichment and exercise. While the evidence supporting the beneficial nature of these factors is substantial, a less well-understood factor may also contribute to healthy cognitive aging: social engagement. We review the evidence supporting the role of social engagement in preserving hippocampal function in old age. In elderly humans, high levels of social engagement correlate with better hippocampal function, yet there is a dearth of work to indicate a causative role. Existing rodent literature is also limited but has begun to provide causative evidence and establish candidate mechanisms. Summed together, while many unanswered questions remain, it is clear that social engagement is a viable lifestyle factor for preserving cognitive function in old age. Social integration across the lifespan warrants more investigation and more appreciation when designing living circumstances for the elderly.

Alzheimer's Biomarkers From Multiple Modalities Selectively Discriminate Clinical Status: Relative Importance of Salivary Metabolomics Panels, Genetic, Lifestyle, Cognitive, Functional Health and Demographic Risk Markers

Background: Among the neurodegenerative diseases of aging, sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent and perhaps the most feared. With virtually no success at finding pharmaceutical therapeutics for altering progressive AD after diagnosis, research attention is increasingly directed at discovering biological and other markers that detect AD risk in the long asymptomatic phase. Both early detection and precision preclinical intervention require systematic investigation of multiple modalities and combinations of AD-related biomarkers and risk factors. We extend recent unbiased metabolomics research that produced a set of metabolite biomarker panels tailored to the discrimination of cognitively normal (CN), cognitively impaired and AD patients. Specifically, we compare the prediction importance of these panels with five other sets of modifiable and non-modifiable AD risk factors (genetic, lifestyle, cognitive, functional health and bio-demographic) in three clinical groups.

Method: The three groups were: CN (n = 35), mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n = 25), and AD (n = 22). In a series of three pairwise comparisons, we used machine learning technology random forest analysis (RFA) to test relative predictive importance of up to 19 risk biomarkers from the six AD risk domains.

Results: The three RFA multimodal prediction analyses produced significant discriminating risk factors. First, discriminating AD from CN was the AD metabolite panel and two cognitive markers. Second, discriminating AD from MCI was the AD/MCI metabolite panel and two cognitive markers. Third, discriminating MCI from CN was the MCI metabolite panel and seven markers from four other risk modalities: genetic, lifestyle, cognition and functional health.

Conclusions: Salivary metabolomics biomarker panels, supplemented by other risk markers, were robust predictors of: (1) clinical differences in impairment and dementia and even; (2) subtle differences between CN and MCI. For the latter, the metabolite panel was supplemented by biomarkers that were both modifiable (e.g., functional) and non-modifiable (e.g., genetic). Comparing, integrating and identifying important multi-modal predictors may lead to novel combinations of complex risk profiles potentially indicative of neuropathological changes in asymptomatic or preclinical AD.

A Larger Social Network Enhances Novel Object Location Memory and Reduces Hippocampal Microgliosis in Aged Mice

The mammalian hippocampus shows marked decline in function with aging across many species, including humans and laboratory rodent models. This decline frequently manifests in memory impairments that occur even in the absence of dementia pathology. In humans, a number of factors correlate with preserved hippocampal memory in aging, such as exercise, cognitive stimulation and number of social ties. While interventional studies and animal models clearly indicate that exercise and cognitive stimulation lead to hippocampal preservation, there is relatively little research on whether a decline in social ties leads to cognitive decline or vice versa. Even in animal studies of environmental enrichment in aging, the focus typically falls on physical enrichment such as a rotating cast of toys, rather than the role of social interactions. The present studies investigated the hypothesis that a greater number of social ties in aging mice would lead to improved hippocampal function. Aged, female C57/Bl6 mice were housed for 3 months in pairs or large groups (7 mice per cage). Group-housed mice showed greater novel object location memory and stronger preference for a spatial navigation strategy in the Barnes maze, though no difference in escape latency, compared to pair-housed mice. Group-housed mice did not differ from pair-housed mice in basal corticosterone levels or adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Group-housed mice did, however, show reduced numbers of Iba1/CD68+ microglia in the hippocampus. These findings suggest that group housing led to better memory function and reduced markers of neuroinflammation in aged mice. More broadly, they support a causative link between social ties and hippocampal function, suggesting that merely having a larger social network can positively influence the aging brain. Future research should address the molecular mechanisms by which a greater number of social ties alters hippocampal function.

Social Frailty Leads to the Development of Physical Frailty among Physically Non-Frail Adults: A Four-Year Follow-Up Longitudinal Cohort Study

Social frailty domains may play an important role in preventing physical decline and disability. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of social frailty as a risk factor for the future development of physical frailty among community-dwelling older adults who are not yet physically frail. A total of 1226 physically non-frail older adults were analyzed to provide a baseline. Participants completed a longitudinal assessment of their physical frailty 48 months later. Their baseline social frailty was determined based on their responses to five questions, which identified participants who went out less frequently, rarely visited friends, felt less like helping friends or family, lived alone and did not talk to another person every day. Participants with none of these characteristics were considered not to be socially frail; those with one characteristic were considered socially pre-frail; and those with two or more characteristics were considered socially frail. At the four-year follow-up assessment, 24 participants (2.0%) had developed physical frailty and 440 (35.9%) had developed physical pre-frailty. The rates of developing physical frailty and pre-frailty were 1.6% and 34.2%, respectively, in the socially non-frail group; 2.4% and 38.8%, respectively, in the socially pre-frail group; and 6.8% and 54.5%, respectively, in the socially frail group. Participants classified as socially frail at the baseline had an increased risk of developing physical frailty, compared with participants who were not socially frail (OR = 3.93, 95% CI = 1.02–15.15). Participants who were socially frail at the baseline also had an increased risk of developing physical pre-frailty (OR = 2.50, 95% CI = 1.30–4.80). Among independent community-dwelling older adults who are not physically frail, those who are socially frail may be at greater risk of developing physical frailty in the near future. Social frailty may precede (and lead to the development of) physical frailty.