Date of Award

Spring 5-31-2025

Document Type

Open Access Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Gerontology

First Advisor

Elizabeth Dugan

Second Advisor

Jaqueline Contrera Avila

Third Advisor

Laura Hayman

Abstract

Cognitive decline poses a significant public health challenge, with profound implications for aging populations. This dissertation investigates the associations between health behaviors, leisure activities, personality traits, and cognitive function in older U.S. adults, using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the Consumption and Activities Mail Survey (CAMS). This work comprises three studies that explore both cross-sectional and longitudinal perspectives on cognitive aging.

Study 1 examines the complex interactions between personality traits, education, health behaviors, and cognitive function. The study is divided into two parts: Study 1a explores the role of health behaviors—smoking, alcohol use, and physical activity—as mediators in the relationship between personality and cognitive function. Findings reveal that higher conscientiousness, agreeableness, and openness are positively associated with cognitive function, with significant indirect effects through education and health behaviors. Study 1b investigates the role of leisure activity participation in cognitive function, identifying five distinct activity profiles ranging from low to high engagement. Results indicate that individuals in high-activity profiles exhibit better cognitive function, with education serving as a primary mediator in fostering cognitive resilience. Personality traits such as conscientiousness and openness further support cognitive health by promoting education and engagement in intellectually stimulating activities.

Study 2 applies growth curve modeling to examine the long-term effects of health behavior combinations on cognitive decline. Findings indicate that individuals engaging in all three positive behaviors—nonsmoking, moderate drinking, and regular physical activity—exhibit the highest baseline cognitive scores and the slowest decline over time. Gender and racial/ethnic disparities are evident, with non-Hispanic Whites displaying the highest cognitive scores and engagement in moderate drinking, while non-Hispanic Blacks show the lowest cognitive scores and highest rates of physical inactivity. The results highlight the cumulative impact of health behaviors and emphasize the need for targeted public health interventions to mitigate cognitive decline across diverse demographic groups.

Study 3 employs sequence analysis and optimal matching techniques to explore longitudinal leisure activity patterns and their associations with cognitive function. Five distinct leisure activity trajectories are identified, with participants in the "All Activities" cluster demonstrating the highest cognitive scores, while those in "Gradual Cessation of Activities" or "Household-Only Activities" experience significant cognitive decline. Personality traits influence engagement in leisure activities, with conscientiousness and openness promoting sustained participation. Moreover, leisure activity patterns serve as mediators in the relationship between personality and cognitive function, underscoring the importance of maintaining diverse and consistent engagement in later life.

By examining the interplay between personality, health behaviors, and leisure engagement, this dissertation contributes to the understanding of cognitive aging and highlights potential intervention strategies. Findings underscore the need for personalized approaches that promote education, encourage health-positive behaviors, and facilitate sustained leisure engagement to support cognitive health among older adults.

Comments

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