Prevalence and factors influencing disability and cognitive impairment among empty nesters and non-empty nesters in Guangdong, China: a cross-sectional study

The study indicated that empty nesters had a higher prevalence of disability and cognitive impairment than non-empty nesters. The influencing factors were different between empty nesters and non-empty nesters. Low and middle incomes, multiple medication use, family support, and depression were the common influencing factors for the occurrence of disability among empty nesters and non-empty nesters, while anxiety was the unique influencing factor for disability among empty nesters. Literacy level, place of residence, and depression were the common influencing factors for cognitive impairment among empty nesters and non-empty nesters. Multiple medications were an influencing factor specific to cognitive impairment among empty nesters. Coronary heart disease was an influencing factor specific to cognitive impairment in non-empty nesters. Therefore, when intervening in older adults individuals with disability and cognitive impairment, different measures should be taken according to whether they are empty nesters or not.