Checkmating Cognitive Aging? A Pilot Study Examining the Relationship between Chess Play and Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults

Objectives: Engagement in cognitively stimulating activities may support cognitive functioning in older adulthood, yet the potential benefits of chess participation remain understudied. This pilot study explored differences in working memory and global cognitive functioning between older adult chess players and non-chess players, while accounting for demographic characteristics and social engagement. Methods: Eighty-three older adults (46 chess players; 37 non-chess players) completed computerized assessments of working memory capacity using a shortened Operation Span task and global cognitive functioning using a battery assessing memory, language, orientation, and executive functioning. Participants also reported their chess experience and social engagement. Analyses of covariance examined differences in cognitive performance between chess players and non-chess players, adjusting for age, gender, education, and social engagement. Results: Older adult chess players (M = 14.62, SD = 6.35) exhibited better working memory capacity than non-chess players (M = 13.08, SD = 6.04, p=.032) independent of demographics and social engagement, while social engagement was associated with broader cognitive functioning (r = .267, p = .030). Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that chess participation is selectively associated with working memory capacity, whereas broader social engagement is associated with global cognitive functioning. This distinction highlights the importance of examining specific forms of cognitive and social enrichment when investigating healthy cognitive aging. Larger longitudinal and experimental studies are needed to determine whether chess participation contributes to maintaining working memory in later life.