Jessica Finlay1, Michael Esposito1,2, Mao Li1,3, Lindsay C Kobayashi4, Anam M Khan1,4, Iris Gomez-Lopez1, Robert Melendez1, Natalie Colabianchi1,5, Suzanne Judd6, Philippa J Clarke1,4. 1. Social Environment and Health Program, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, 1259University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. 2. Department of Sociology, Washington University of St. Louis, St. Louis, 1259MO, USA. 3. Survey Methodology Program, Institute for Social Research, 1259University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. 4. Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, 1259University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. 5. School of Kinesiology, 1259University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. 6. School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
Abstract
Objectives: Socialization predicts cognitive aging outcomes. Neighborhoods may facilitate socially engaged aging and thus shape cognition. We investigated places where older adults socialized and whether availability of these sites was associated with cognitive outcomes. Methods: Qualitative analysis of interviews and ethnography with 125 older adults (mean age 71 years) in Minneapolis identified where participants socialized outside of home. This informed quantitative analysis of a national sample of 21,151 older Americans (mean age at baseline 67 years) from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke study. Multilevel generalized additive models described associations between access to key social places and cognitive function and decline. Results: Qualitative analysis identified eateries, senior centers, and civic groups as key places to socialize. We identified significant positive associations between kernel density of senior centers, civic/social organizations, and cognitive function. Discussion: Specific neighborhood social infrastructures may support cognitive health among older adults aging in place.
Objectives: Socialization predicts cognitive aging outcomes. Neighborhoods may facilitate socially engaged aging and thus shape cognition. We investigated places where older adults socialized and whether availability of these sites was associated with cognitive outcomes. Methods: Qualitative analysis of interviews and ethnography with 125 older adults (mean age 71 years) in Minneapolis identified where participants socialized outside of home. This informed quantitative analysis of a national sample of 21,151 older Americans (mean age at baseline 67 years) from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke study. Multilevel generalized additive models described associations between access to key social places and cognitive function and decline. Results: Qualitative analysis identified eateries, senior centers, and civic groups as key places to socialize. We identified significant positive associations between kernel density of senior centers, civic/social organizations, and cognitive function. Discussion: Specific neighborhood social infrastructures may support cognitive health among older adults aging in place.
Entities:
Keywords:
cognitive function; environment; neighborhoods; social support; well-being
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