How Diversified Leisure Activities Impact Cognitive Function, Well-being, and Decision-Making Skills
How does diversified leisure activity participation impact cognitive function in Chinese elderly?
In a large-scale cohort study conducted in China, researchers investigated the reciprocal relationship between diversified leisure activity participation and cognitive function in the elderly. The study separated between-person effects from within-person effects and found that diversified leisure activity participation has a positive impact on cognitive function. The findings suggest that cognitive improvement may enhance participation in diversified leisure activities, creating a “positive circle” that further promotes cognition over time. The study also observed that changes in diversified leisure activity participation predicted changes in typical cognitive function, and an individual’s cognitive ability predicted their participation in diversified leisure activities.
In addition, the study controlled for various factors such as age, sex, educational level, marital status, current residence, chronic diseases, daily living activities, depressive symptoms, sleep quality, smoking, and drinking. The findings remained consistent even after adjusting for these factors. It is worth noting that different models used in the analysis yielded slightly different results, with the adjusted RI-CLPM suggesting a small but significant association between diversified leisure activity participation and cognitive function. Overall, this research highlights the positive impact of diversified leisure activities on cognitive function in Chinese elderly individuals.
What are the potential benefits of individuals with autism choosing their own leisure activities?
A study conducted in Madrid, Spain, examined the effects of a year-long recreational program on individuals with autism. The participants, aged 27 to 38 years, were given the opportunity to choose their own leisure activities. The study found that individuals with autism benefited in various ways from choosing their own activities. Specifically, they improved in decision-making skills and their social skills showed improvement.
The participants in the experimental group were offered a range of activities such as swimming, hiking, bowling, playing catch, crafts, attending parties, fairs, movies, concerts, visiting museums, playing computer games, and reading magazines. The freedom to choose from a diverse array of activities resulted in positive outcomes for these individuals. Before the program, the participants underwent tests to measure their daily living skills, emotion recognition, and deficits in executive functioning. Over the course of the year, the participants in the experimental group showed improvements in these areas compared to the control group, who did not have the opportunity to choose their own leisure activities. This study highlights the potential benefits of autonomy and choice in leisure activities for individuals with autism.
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