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Engaging in cognitively stimulating activities and change in cognitive function: a cross-country analysis using SHARE

Author

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  • Andrea Cegolon

    (Department of Political Science, Communication and International Relations, University of Macerata, and PhD candidate, University College London)

  • Andrew Jenkins

    (Social Research Institute, University College London)

Abstract

We examine the relationship between different types of cognitively stimulating activities (CSAs) and cognitive function in a sample of community-dwelling Europeans aged 50 and older. The data were drawn from the fourth, fifth and sixth waves of the Survey on Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). The cognitive activities analysed were: educational and training courses; reading books, newspapers and magazines; word or number games (such as crossword puzzles or Sudoku); and playing chess or cards. The cognitive function outcomes under investigation were memory and verbal fluency. Our longitudinal analysis of changes in cognitive abilities show that CSAs can constitute a potential source for the delay or reduction of cognitive decline, even after a short period - only 4 years - of engagement in such activities and regardless of one’s age.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrea Cegolon & Andrew Jenkins, 2021. "Engaging in cognitively stimulating activities and change in cognitive function: a cross-country analysis using SHARE," DoQSS Working Papers 21-15, Quantitative Social Science - UCL Social Research Institute, University College London.
    • Handle: RePEc:qss:dqsswp:2115
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    ageing; cognitive decline; memory; verbal fluency; cognitively stimulating activities;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J14 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of the Elderly; Economics of the Handicapped; Non-Labor Market Discrimination
    • J26 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Retirement; Retirement Policies
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education

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