Work

Changes in Housework Frequency and Subsequent Cognitive Function and Rate of Decline Among Adults Aged ≥ 65 in the United States, 2008–2018

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Physical activity level plays a role in modifying the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. However, little is known about how changes in housework affect cognitive function among US adults over the age of 65. This study investigates the correlation between changes in housework frequency and cognitive function over 10 years. METHODS: Data from 8141 adults aged ≥ 65 years in the Health and Retirement Study were analyzed, with changes in housework frequency categorized as "consistently high," "low to high," "high to low," and "consistently low" from 2008 to 2010. Cognitive function was measured from 2010 to 2018 using a composite score (range = 0-35), and mixed-effects linear regression models were fitted. RESULTS: = .069). CONCLUSION: Transitioning from low to high or maintaining consistently high housework engagement in later life was associated with a delay in cognitive decline, regardless of gender and age.

Source: The Permanente Journal

DOI: 10.7812/tpp/24.173

Authors: Nan Wang, Wenjie Cai, Xiaoyu Pan, Tianci Wang, Alden Gross, Changchuan Jiang