The impact of healthy lifestyles on cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China

Recent literature has demonstrated a link between lifestyle behaviours and cognitive function, yet most evidence comes from Western populations. A study examined the associations between multiple healthy lifestyle factors and cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults in Shanghai, China.
The cross-sectional study included 942 residents aged ≥ 60 years in Pudong District, Shanghai, China, who participated in China’s national free physical examination programme from July to September 2024. Cognitive function and cognitive impairment status were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Five healthy lifestyle factors were considered: never smoking, healthy body mass index, regular physical activity, light-to-moderate alcohol consumption, and optimal night sleep duration. A composite healthy lifestyle score (0-5) was calculated.
The study found that older adults who exercised regularly and slept an appropriate amount at night had better thinking and memory abilities, and these were significantly associated with lower odds of cognitive impairment [odds ratio (OR) = 0.69 (95% CI: 0.47-0.98); OR = 0.66 (95% CI: 0.45-0.95), respectively]. Those with 3 or more healthy habits scored higher on memory and thinking tests than those with 1 or fewer, and the OR and 95% CI for participants with 3 healthy lifestyle factors developing cognitive impairment were 0.59 (0.34-0.98).
Having multiple healthy lifestyle behaviours, particularly regular physical activity and adequate night sleep, was associated with better cognitive function among older adults in Shanghai.
Source: Li, G., Zhu, L., Li, X., Wu, B., Chen, Y. (2025) The impact of healthy lifestyles on cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China. Global Health & Medicine, 7(6): 423-431.