Association Between Cognitively Stimulating Activities and Cognitive Function in Older Adults Living in Residential Care Homes

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between cognitively stimulating activities and cognitive function among older adults in residential care homes. METHODS: A convenience sampling method was used to recruit older adults from three residential care homes in East China. Data were collected on cognitive function, sociodemographic characteristics and participation in cognitively stimulating activities (foreign language learning, musical instrument skills, hobbies, smart product use, physical exercise and household chores). Statistical analyses included univariate analysis (rank sum test and chi-squared test) and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 246 older adults were included. Cognitive impairment was identified in 111 participants (45.1%), with 81 (32.9%) diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 30 (12.2%) with severe cognitive impairment (SCI). In the MCI group, depressive symptoms (OR = 3.66) were associated with poorer cognitive performance, while hobbies (OR = 0.32), smart product use (OR = 0.25) and household chores (> 3 times/week: OR = 0.27; ≤ 3 times/week: OR = 0.24) were linked to better cognitive function. In the SCI group, age 80-89 years (OR = 8.35) was associated with cognitive decline, while hobbies (OR = 0.08), physical exercise > 3 times/week (OR = 0.24) and household chores ≤ 3 times/week (OR = 0.04) were linked to better cognitive function (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights a positive association between cognitively stimulating activities and cognitive function in older adults in residential care homes. Advanced age and depressive symptoms were associated with cognitive decline, whereas cognitively stimulating activities, including hobbies, smart product use, physical exercise and household chores, were linked to better cognitive performance, emphasising the importance of promoting these activities for cognitive health in this population.