Relationships between unstructured time, leisure and cognitive functions in the elderly

Abstract

Introduction

Retirement challenges the preservation of cognitive functions, since unstructured time increases as obligations diminish.

Objectives

1. Analyse the characteristics of unstructured time in the healthy elderly. 2. Verify the relationship between types of leisure and cognitive functions.

Methodology

The study included 72 retired persons distributed into three groups: Group G1 (participants in Senior University programs), G2 (participants in a memory training program), and G3 (table games players). The measurements applied include the Clock Test, registering daily activities, and several cognitive tests.

Results

The analysis of variance and post hoc comparisons were performed. G1 and G2 groups gave more precise details on the distribution of time, and they both practice more cognitive activities than G3, which prefers social activities. G1 practiced “active rest”, as opposed to passive rest by G2 and G3, which was mainly watching TV or sleeping siesta. Cognitive measurements are significantly better in G1 than in any other group, while the results of G2 were significantly higher than G3.

Conclusions

The type of leisure activities is positive and significantly related to a richer and more intense planning of non-structured time and with a better cognitive level.