Impact of physical fitness and lifelong education on mild cognitive impairment in older adults.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the relationships among physical fitness, formal education levels, social educational experiences, and mild cognitive impairment in older adults.

Methods: Using the Korean version of the mini-mental state examination, senior fitness tests, and questionnaires on social educational experiences and physical activity, the study assessed data on 148 Korean participants 65 years and above. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationships among the factors.

Results: The average age of the participants was 79.54 ± 0.55 years. Educational level showed a significant negative relationship with cognitive function scores, explaining 17.7% of the variance (R² = 0.177, p < 0.001). Current social educational experiences were significantly associated with a lower prevalence of mild cognitive impairment. Those without current social educational experiences were 1.946 times more likely to have MCI (p < 0.05) than those with such experiences. Physical fitness components, such as right upper body strength (OR = 1.171, 95% CI: 1.001-1.370), agility (OR = 1.246, 95% CI: 0.961-1.616), and cardiorespiratory fitness (OR = 0.975, 95% CI: 0.950-0.999), were also significantly associated with cognitive function. Additionally, older adult men had a higher likelihood of MCI than older adult women did (OR = 0.276, 95% CI: 0.097-0.782).

Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of education, ongoing social educational experiences, and physical fitness in maintaining cognitive health in older adults. Thus, promoting lifelong education and physical fitness programs may help reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment in older adults.