Cognition in older adults (65+) : The relationship between physical andsocial activity and cognitive abilities

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between physical and social activity and cognitive functions in individuals aged 65 and older. The study examined whether there is a connection between vigorous, moderate, and light physical activity and cognitive functions (processing speed, working memory capacity, and executive functions such as task-switching and verbal ability). A total of 64 individuals participated in the study, of whom 56% were women and 44% men, aged 66 to 87 years (M = 74.91, SD = 5.33). Participants were recruited through personal contacts and by reaching out to senior associations. They completed a comprehensive questionnaire containing background questions and questions about physical and social activity habits. Subsequently, they undertook five cognitive tests to measure cognitive abilities (processing speed, working memory capacity, task-switching, planning, and strategic verbal search).The results showed that moderate physical activity was positively associated with categorization, planning, organization, and strategic verbal search. Social activity was positively associated with task-switching as well as planning and strategic verbal search. However, the study found no association between either physical or social activity and processing speed or working memory capacity. Keywords: Physical activity, social activity, cognitive ability, cognition, aging, processing speed, working memory capacity, task-switching, planning, strategy