The Association between Senior Center Utilization and Dementia Diagnosis among Older Adults: Evidence from the 2017 and 2020 Korean National Survey on Older Adults

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the effects of senior center utilization, exercise intensity, age, economic activity, depression, and the number of chronic diseases on the risk of dementia among older adults in Korea. The research sought to determine whether participation in community-based senior centers and engagement in regular physical activity contribute to the prevention of dementia.METHODS Data were derived from the 5th (2017), 6th (2020) waves of the Korean National Survey on Older Adults conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. A total of 12,153 participants aged 65 years and older were included after excluding incomplete responses. Descriptive statistics, univariate analyses and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 to identify factors associated with dementia risk.RESULTS Older adults who utilized senior centers had a significantly lower risk of dementia compared with those who did not (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Moderate-intensity (OR = 0.599, <i>p</i> < 0.01) and high-intensity (OR = 0.399, <i>p</i> < 0.001) exercise groups showed markedly lower dementia risk than the low-intensity group. Dementia risk increased substantially with age, especially among individuals aged 75 years and older. Depression was a significant predictor of dementia (OR = 2.199, <i>p</i> < 0.05), while those with two or more chronic diseases had a fourfold higher risk (OR = 4.877, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Interestingly, individuals diagnosed with hyperlipidemia or diabetes showed lower dementia risk, possibly reflecting better medical management and lifestyle modification.CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that participation in senior centers and engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity play critical roles in maintaining cognitive function and preventing dementia among older adults. Senior centers serve as essential community-based facilities that promote physical, cognitive, and social engagement. Therefore, expanding access to senior centers and developing integrated exercise and cognitive training programs through intersectoral collaboration among health, welfare, and physical activity professionals are essential for sustainable dementia prevention strategies in an aging society.