Perceived control and cognitive function among older adults: The mediating role of social and cognitive activities

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the mediating effects of activity engagement in the relationship between perceived control and cognitive function among older adults. METHOD: Data were obtained from the Health and Retirement Study conducted over three waves (T1, T2, and T3), with a sample size of 1302. Path analysis was used to examine the mediating effects of activity engagement in the relationship between perceived control and cognitive function. RESULTS: T1 perceived control was significantly associated with T3 cognition (β = 0.055, bootstrapped 95 %CI = [0.012, 0.099]). T1 perceived control had significant indirect effects on T3 cognition through T2 social activity (β = 0.006, bootstrapped 95 %CI = [0.001,0.011]) and T2 cognitive activity (β = 0.007, bootstrapped 95 %CI = [0.001,0.013]). CONCLUSION: Older adults with higher perceived control were more likely to engage in social and cognitive activities to stimulate cognitive function. Our study suggested a multifaceted intervention to prevent cognitive impairment through enhancing perceived control in conjunction with training in health-promoting behaviors.