Association between Economic Activity and Cognitive Health: A Population-Based Observational Study

Abstract

This study investigates whether restricted participation in productive activity is associated with cognitive health in Korea. Furthermore, given the enormous socioeconomic disparities between aging and gender differences in employment, we also examine whether these associations vary by gender and age. Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA) from 2006 to 2016 was used and 9,942 subjects were included at baseline in 2006. To analyze the association between restricted economic activity due to health condition and cognitive function, generalized estimating equation (GEE) model and chi-square test were used. Of the 9,942 individuals at baseline in 2006, the odds ratio (OR) of cognitive decline in those in the “very probable” of restricted economic activity was 2.58 times higher (p-value: < 0.0001) compared with “not at all” of restricted economic activity. In a subgroup analysis, ≤ 64 years and ≥ 65 years groups presented similar results. OR of cognitive decline in “very probable” of restricted economic activity was 2.50 times higher (p-value: < 0.0001) compared with “not at all” of restricted economic activity in both groups, respectively. For male and female, OR of cognitive decline in “very probable” of restricted economic activity was 2.77 times higher (p-value: < 0.0001) and 2.40 times higher (p-value: < 0.0001) compared with “not at all” of restricted economic activity, respectively. Our findings highlight association between restriction in economic activity and cognitive function among middle aged and elderly population in Korea. Given the benefits of economic activity, efforts should be made to improve health condition and reduce barriers to participate in economic activity.