The Attributes and Characteristics of Leisure Activity Engagement that Foster Cognition in Aging: A Scoping Review

The association between leisure activities and cognition in aging is well supported, suggesting that intellectual, physical, and social leisure engagement protects against cognitive decline. However, less is known about the attributes and characteristics of leisure activity engagement that foster neurological protection. The purpose of this study was to review the current evidence related to the salient features of leisure activity engagement that foster cognition in aging. Using scoping review procedures, nine databases were searched. Sixty-five articles, published between 2000 and 2021 met study criteria, providing empirical information about the ways in which attributes and characteristics of leisure engagement have shown an association with cognition in aging. The purpose of a scoping review is to systematically map the literature on a topic, identifying key concepts, theories, sources of evidence, and gaps in the research. This review identified and explored the attributes of leisure engagement which were frequency, intensity, duration, and variety. Characteristics of leisure engagement identified include novelty, active/productive engagement, enjoyment, meaning, and self-direction. Literature supports, to varying degrees, the association between leisure attributes and characteristics and cognition in aging. This information may provide more meaningful direction for intervention than recommendations for engagement in specific activities or activity domains. Results suggest that it is the way leisure is experienced, i.e., the attributes and characteristics of leisure engagement, and not any specific leisure activity or category of activities that may determine the protection provided against cognitive decline in aging. This can be used to guide future research, provide beneficial recommendations to older adults, and in the design of efficacious interventions to prevent cognitive decline in aging.