The impact of empty-nest on cognitive function of elderly people in China

Objective: To understand the empty-nest elderly situation and their cognitive function in China, and to investigate the impact of empty-nest on the cognitive function of elderly people in China, to effectively delay cognitive decline and improve the cognitive health of the elderly. Methods: This study used data from the 2020 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS) to analyze the empty-nest of elderly people in China, and measured their cognitive function using the Simple Cognitive Function Scale, analyzed the effect of empty-nest on cognitive function in elderly people using OLS, and explored the differences in cognitive function of different populations. Results: 11,398 people were included in the research, including 6,899 empty-nesters and 4,499 non-empty-nesters. It was found that there was a significant promotion effect of empty-nest on the cognitive function of the elderly (β=0.609, P<0.01); and the cognitive function of empty-nest elderly was better than non-empty-nested elderly in all dimensions (P<0.01). Conclusions: There is a significant promotion effect of empty-nest on the cognitive function of the elderly, and all dimensions of the cognitive function of empty-nested elderly are better than those of non-empty-nested elderly; there is a difference in the effect of age and social participation on the cognitive function of empty-nest of the elderly; in addition, the place of residence of the elderly and the social participation have different influences on the different dimensions of the cognitive ability. Establishing the concept of lifelong learning for the elderly and stimulating their interest in lifelong learning are conducive to slowing down cognitive decline in the elderly population and contributing to active aging.