Association between perceived ageism and cognitive impairment among older adults: a cross-sectional study

Cognitive impairment is a major public health concern among older adults, and discrimination is considered its risk factor. However, the association between perceived ageism—defined as age-based stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination directed toward others or oneself—and cognitive impairment in the older population, remains relatively unexplored. This study investigated the relationship between perceived ageism and cognitive impairment among community-dwelling older adults. This study, which conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the 2023 National Survey of Older Koreans’ data, included 9,951 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older. To analyze the association between perceived ageism and cognitive impairment, logistic regression analysis was conducted. Of the 9,951 participants, there were 3,824 males and 6,127 females, and 2,618 (26.3%) perceived ageism. Perceived ageism was associated with cognitive impairment (odds ratio [OR]: 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.57–1.96). This association was particularly strong in the home environments (OR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.64–2.41). Cumulative exposure to perceived ageism across various environments was associated with cognitive impairment (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.18–1.30). Cognitive impairment was associated with perceived ageism, particularly in the home environment, as well as with cumulative exposure to perceived ageism across various settings. These findings suggest the need for targeted interventions to reduce perceived ageism, particularly within the home environments, and decreasing exposure to cumulative ageism to mitigate its negative association with cognitive health.