Cohort study on the association between volunteer service participation and cognitive impairment risk among middle-aged and older adults in China
SHANG Xue
HOU Dingchun
SUN Yumei
Abstract：Objective:To probe into examine the association between volunteer service participation and the risk of cognitive impairment among middle-aged and older adults in China.And to explore potential mechanisms,thereby providing both theoretical foundations and practical guidance for the early prevention of cognitive decline.Methods:Utilizing five waves of longitudinal data(2011-2020)from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study(CHARLS),a prospective cohort was established.Cox proportional hazards models were employed to analyze the relationship between volunteer service participation and the risk of cognitive impairment.Results:Multivariate analysis results showed that non-participants had an 88%higher risk of cognitive impairment compared to participants(HR=1.88,95%CI 1.18-2.99).Stratified analyses demonstrated stronger associations in subgroups of 45～59 years middle-aged individuals(HR=2.37,95%CI 1.27-4.42),males(HR=1.95,95%CI 1.04-3.64),and those with basic literacy(HR=1.84,95%CI 1.14-2.97).However,There were no statistically significant in adults aged≥60,females,or illiterate individuals.Conclusions:Volunteer service participation exhibits a protective effect on cognitive function,particularly among middle-aged,male,and more educated population.Given the low participation rate in Chinese middle-aged and older adults,policy support,community-based initiatives,and public awareness campaigns are urgently needed to enhance engagement.These efforts could serve as a feasible intervention for the primary prevention of cognitive impairment.
Keywords：volunteer servicecognitive impairmentmiddle-aged and older adultssocial participationcohort study
Publication Date：2025-06-10
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：6( 1801-1806 )