FC6: Impact of work activity on cognitive functioning in older adults

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of maintaining professional activity on cognitive functioning at advanced ages.

Methods: The sample comprised 131 people aged 60 years-old and older (M = 68,15 years) of whom 41 were still working (30 women and 11 men, Mage = 65.24), and 89 retired (74 women and 15 men Mage = 69.48). To assess participants’ cognitive functioning the following instruments were used: Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, Digit Span Test, Trail Making Test (TMT), Verbal Fluency Test and Boston Naming Test (Short Form). Since age differences among participants of the two groups were found an ANCOVA test was used, and age was included as a covariable.

Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in the Part A of TMT (F = 7.383, p < 0.05) and the Boston Naming Test (Short Form) (F = 3.495, p < 0.05). Compared with retired participants those who were still active had better scores on both measures.

Conclusions: Work-related activity in old age has a positive influence on cognitive functioning and can contribute to older people’s cognitive reserve and to maintaining better attention, naming or word retrieval performance. Thus, in order to maintain good cognitive functioning, when older adults retire, they may need to substitute work with stimulating and challenging activities.