Can Meaningful Activity Mediate the Relationship Between Social Support and Cognitive Health Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults?

Abstract

As the population continues to age, cognitive health becomes increasingly vital. Although social support and meaningful activities impact cognitive and psychological outcomes, how these factors are interrelated remains unclear. Using cross-sectional data from the Well Elderly II study (n = 460), this study examined (1) the effects of social support on cognitive health (measured by the Digit Symbol Substitution Test) and (2) whether engagement in meaningful activities mediates the relationship among community-dwelling older adults. After controlling for socio-demographic variables, researchers found a positive association between social support and cognitive health (beta = .08, p < .05), with engagement in meaningful activities mediating this relationship (B = .57, SE = .12; 95% CI [.35, .83]). Findings suggest that practitioners should consider strategies that aid older adults in engaging in personally meaningful activities and help them find greater meaning in their existing routines, thereby strengthening the cognitive benefits of social support.