Healthy Aging: Interaction of Cognition,Lifestyle,and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living

Abstract

Background: The increasing elderly population highlights the importance of comprehending healthy aging by examining the interactions among cognition, daily activities, and lifestyle. This study aims to address this by investigating these relationships within the World Health Organization’s Healthy Aging Model. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 178 older adults from southern Iran, representing various cognitive levels. Participants underwent assessments to measure cognitive functions, lifestyle preferences, and independence in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) using the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Lifestyle Assessment Questionnaire for the Iranian Elderly, and the Lawton IADL Scale. Findings: The relationships between the studied variables were identified. Lower cognitive function was found to be associated with decreased engagement in IADL and less-favorable lifestyle choices. Conclusion: Integrating cognition, IADL, and lifestyle into assessments and interventions align with both the domain and process of occupational therapy, thereby enhancing well-being and promoting healthy aging in older adults.

Plain Language Summary

Understanding Healthy Aging: How Lifestyle Choices, Cognitive Function, and Instrumental Daily Activities Interact in the Elderly

As the global population of older individuals continues to increase, it is imperative to understand the impact of lifestyle choices, cognitive function, and instrumental daily activities on the aging process. The World Health Organization advocates for healthy aging by emphasizing individual abilities and potentials. This research explores these relationships within the older adult demographic in Iran. Cognitive function has been identified as a critical factor in maintaining independence in instrumental daily activities and in adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors. Individuals with diminished cognitive abilities may face challenges in tasks such as financial management or medication adherence, and they are more likely to demonstrate suboptimal lifestyle practices, such as limited engagement in physical exercise and stress management. These findings highlight the importance of assessing cognitive function alongside older adults’ participation in instrumental daily activities and lifestyle choices to obtain a thorough evaluation of healthy aging. This research emphasizes the importance of prioritizing daily living aspects alongside cognitive health for healthy aging in geriatrics. Identifying individuals at risk of functional decline and unhealthy lifestyle habits can help implement tailored interventions to maintain or improve their ability to independently perform daily tasks and adopt healthier behaviors. Encouraging attitudes that value activities such as regular physical exercise and engaging in mentally stimulating activities are crucial for enhancing the overall well-being of older individuals.

Keywords

cognitive aging functional independence geriatric assessment health behavior older adults

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