Subjective cognitive decline and cognitive leisure activity engagement in older adults: a mixed-methods study.
- 1Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
Abstract
Background and objectives
Subjective cognitive decline (SCD), self-perceived worsening in cognitive abilities without objective impairment, is an early marker of dementia linked to poorer mental health and reduced quality of life. Cognitive leisure activities (CLA) are low-cost, accessible behaviors that support cognitive functioning and well-being. However, evidence remains limited regarding the directionality, mechanisms, and domain-specific nature of the SCD-CLA relationship. This study provides novel mixed-methods evidence to inform early, person-centered intervention strategies.Research design and methods
A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design combined a cross-sectional survey of 255 older adults and semi-structured interviews with 20 individuals living with SCD in the United Kingdom. Quantitative data were analyzed using regression analyses, and qualitative data through thematic analysis. Results were integrated via a joint display.Results
Quantitative analyses showed higher SCD concerns were associated with lower CLA engagement, with specific activity types linked to distinct cognitive domains. Qualitative findings highlighted motivations, barriers, and strategies shaping engagement, including enjoyment, social connection, and emotional or health-related challenges. Integrated findings indicated potential reciprocal influences: cognitive concerns could motivate CLA engagement to maintain cognitive health, but SCD-related emotional distress and reduced confidence constrained participation. CLA did not statistically moderate the age-SCD association, yet participants reported perceived cognitive and emotional benefits.Discussion and implications
These findings highlight the need for interventions that move beyond simple activity promotion to address emotional ambivalence, stigma, and contextual barriers to participation. Tailoring CLA opportunities to individual preferences and capacities may enhance engagement, cognitive wellbeing, and emotional resilience in later life.
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BibTeX
@article{akbayrak2026subjective,
title = {{Subjective cognitive decline and cognitive leisure activity engagement in older adults: a mixed-methods study.}},
author = {Emine Akbayrak and Philip A Powell and Sarah Barnes},
journal = {Innovation in aging},
year = {2026},
month = aug,
doi = {10.1093/geroni/igag088},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42927413},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Subjective cognitive decline and cognitive leisure activity engagement in older adults: a mixed-methods study.
AU - Emine Akbayrak
AU - Philip A Powell
AU - Sarah Barnes
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/08/06
JO - Innovation in aging
DO - 10.1093/geroni/igag088
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42927413
AB - Background and objectives Subjective cognitive decline (SCD), self-perceived worsening in cognitive abilities without objective impairment, is an early marker of dementia linked to poorer mental health and reduced quality of life. Cognitive leisure activities (CLA) are low-cost, accessible behaviors that support cognitive functioning and well-being. However, evidence remains limited regarding the directionality, mechanisms, and domain-specific nature of the SCD-CLA relationship. This study provides novel mixed-methods evidence to inform early, person-centered intervention strategies.Research design and methods A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design combined a cross-sectional survey of 255 older adults and semi-structured interviews with 20 individuals living with SCD in the United Kingdom. Quantitative data were analyzed using regression analyses, and qualitative data through thematic analysis. Results were integrated via a joint display.Results Quantitative analyses showed higher SCD concerns were associated with lower CLA engagement, with specific activity types linked to distinct cognitive domains. Qualitative findings highlighted motivations, barriers, and strategies shaping engagement, including enjoyment, social connection, and emotional or health-related challenges. Integrated findings indicated potential reciprocal influences: cognitive concerns could motivate CLA engagement to maintain cognitive health, but SCD-related emotional distress and reduced confidence constrained participation. CLA did not statistically moderate the age-SCD association, yet participants reported perceived cognitive and emotional benefits.Discussion and implications These findings highlight the need for interventions that move beyond simple activity promotion to address emotional ambivalence, stigma, and contextual barriers to participation. Tailoring CLA opportunities to individual preferences and capacities may enhance engagement, cognitive wellbeing, and emotional resilience in later life.
SN - 2399-5300
ER -