Secular Improvements in Cognitive Aging: Contribution of Education, Health, and Routine Activities.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Limited evidence exists regarding the reasons for secular changes in cognitive functioning over historical time. Thus, we examined potential explanatory factors for changes in cognitive speed, a central dimension of cognitive functioning.

Methods

Population-based data of middle-aged and older adults from Germany (N = 5443) was used with baseline participants from 2002 to 2014, comparing the time periods 2002-2014.

Results

Cognitive speed improved in middle-aged adults (40-65) and older adults (66+). In both age groups, increases were partly explained by education, employment status, volunteering status, routine activities, and physical functioning. Changes in education were more important in explaining increases in older than in middle-aged adults, w

SUBMITTER: Beller J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9483682 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature