Self-reported hopefulness and cognitive function: the moderating effect of physical activity in older adults without cognitive impairment

Background With dementia cases rising globally, identifying modifiable psychological factors that support cognitive resilience is crucial. Hopefulness, an optimistic emotional state, may serve as a protective factor against cognitive decline. However, its role in cognitively normal (CN) individuals remains underexplored. We aim to investigate the association between self-reported hopefulness and overall cognitive function in CN older adults and to examine the moderating effect of physical activity on this relationship. Methods A total of 152 CN adults aged 65–90 years were included in the General Lifestyle and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) study. Hopefulness was assessed by the Geriatric Depression Scale item “Are you hopeful about the future?,” with “Yes” and “No” responses defining the hopefulness and non-hopefulness groups. Cognitive function was measured using the total score (TS) of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) neuropsychological battery. Physical activity was evaluated using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. Results Participants in the hopefulness group showed significantly higher TS scores compared to the non-hopefulness group (B = 5.009, p = 0.003). Physical activity moderated this relationship, with a stronger positive association observed in individuals with high-to-moderate activity levels (B = 7.409, p < 0.001). Conclusion Self-reported hopefulness, defined as optimism about the future, is positively associated with cognitive function in CN older adults, particularly among those with high-to-moderate physical activity levels. Interventions promoting both emotional well-being and physical activity may offer synergistic benefits for cognitive health.