Abstract
Cognitive and physical activity are related to maintaining good cognitive functioning in later life, but they are not usually considered together in the same model. Previous research suggests that those with higher education have better cognitive functioning in later life. We examined both physical and cognitive activity as possible mediators of this relationship, and whether age is a moderator. Data were from the three waves of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study, a national survey that included 7,108 participants aged from 24 to 75 years at baseline. Educational attainment was from the 1995 baseline, mediators (physical and cognitive activities) were from the 2004 wave, and outcomes (cognitive function) were from the 2004 and 2013 waves. A conditional process model was applied using PROCESS in SPSS. Results indicated that education has a direct effect on both executive function (EF) and episodic memory (EM) and an indirect effect through both physical and cognitive activity. The effects of physical activity on the association between education and cognitive function and cognitive change (EF and EM) were stronger among older adults than younger adults. The mediation effect of cognitive activity on the association between education and cognitive function and cognitive change was not moderated by age. We will discuss the role of both cognitive and physical activity for promoting cognitive function at mid and later life. The results have implications for advancing supportive policies and practices related to maximizing the benefits of physical and cognitive activities on cognition in mid and later life.
