| There is great variability in the amount of cognitive decline associated with aging and much recent research has focused on factors that may mitigate such decline. Exercise, particularly aerobic activity, has been shown to have a protective effect against cognitive aging in older adulthood, however, a minority of individuals over 50 participate in formal exercise. A much greater percentage of older adults perform non exercise physically-demanding activities (NEPDAs), but few studies have focused on the possible protective effects of these types of tasks. The current study sought to determine whether participation in five NEPDAs including (1) heavy housework, (2) light gardening, (3) heavy gardening, (4) household/car maintenance and (5) walking outdoors for at least 15 minutes was predictive of better cognitive test performance over a three-year period. The sample consisted of 124 non demented adult volunteers ages 50 and over. Performance on three cognitive tests, two measures of verbal memory and a test of executive function, was the dependent variable. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to assess the ability of baseline activity level score to predict cognitive test performance over the follow-up period while statistically controlling for age, educational level, gender, ethnicity, general health, and mood. No significant relationship was detected. An objective, continuous measurement of activity level is warranted to further clarify the relationship between NEPDAs and cognitive aging. However, in the interim, older adults should be encouraged to partake in aerobic exercise, the type of activity most consistently linked to reduced cognitive decline in aging. |
