The Influence of Behavioral Lifestyle Factors on Recent Episodic Memory Retention Capacity in Young-Old Adults: An Empirical Investigation Leveraging the 2022 Wave Data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS)

Objective: This study aimed to examine the influence of behavioral lifestyle factors on recent episodic memory retention capacity among young-old adults (aged 60-69 years) in China. The findings provide scientific evidence to inform proactive strategies to mitigate cognitive decline risk within China's rapidly aging population. Methods: Utilizing data from the 2022 wave of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), a total of 2,772 adults aged 60-69 were included in the analytical sample. Recent episodic memory retention capacity (scored 0-5 points, based on self-reported assessment) served as the dependent variable. Six categories of behavioral lifestyle indicators (including exercise frequency, sleep quality, dietary patterns, etc.) were analyzed as independent variables. Associations were assessed using multivariate ordinal logistic regression models, controlling for relevant covariates. Results: Self-reported potential impairment in recent episodic memory was identified by 47.19% of respondents. Multivariate analysis revealed significant associations between behavioral lifestyle factors and memory retention capacity. Regular exercise (OR = 1.297, 95% CI: 1.118–1.504), meat consumption (OR = 1.765, 95% CI: 1.393–2.237), regular reading habits (OR = 1.599, 95% CI: 1.283–1.992), and internet use (OR = 1.413, 95% CI: 1.217–1.641) emerged as significant protective factors. Abnormal sleep duration was detrimentally associated with retention capacity (too short: OR = 0.728, 95% CI: 0.591–0.897; too long: OR = 0.810, 95% CI: 0.670–0.980). Significant associations were also observed for control variables: urban residence (OR = 1.270, 95% CI: 1.100–1.467), high school education or above (OR = 1.543, 95% CI: 1.293–1.841), and better self-rated health status (OR = 1.156, 95% CI: 1.089–1.227) were positively correlated with better memory retention. Conclusions: Optimal sleep duration, regular physical exercise, meat intake, habitual reading, and internet engagement positively predict self-assessed recent episodic memory retention capacity in Chinese young-old adults. These findings underscore the potential for multi-faceted lifestyle interventions to enhance cognitive health in aging populations. Specifically, strategies should encompass community-based sleep hygiene management, tailored nutritional interventions (especially promoting adequate protein sources like meat), enhanced digital literacy and internet accessibility programs, and the promotion of age-appropriate physical activity initiatives. Furthermore, implementing culturally responsive strategies adapted to urban-rural contexts – such as deploying "mobile cognitive health units" in rural areas and fostering digital reading platforms in urban settings – is recommended to optimize intervention effectiveness.