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This research examines how using senior centers and physical activity affect dementia risk among older adults in Korea.

May 7, 2026Open Access

The Association between Senior Center Utilization and Dementia Diagnosis among Older Adults: Evidence from the 2017 and 2020 Korean National Survey on Older Adults

이이삼준Tongmyong University 김김남수Kosin University

Key Points

This research examines how using senior centers and physical activity affect dementia risk among older adults in Korea.
Analyzed data from the 2017 and 2020 Korean National Survey on Older Adults including 12,153 participants aged 65 and older.
Utilized descriptive statistics, univariate analyses, and multiple logistic regression analyses.
Employed IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 for data analysis.
Older adults utilizing senior centers had a lower dementia risk compared to non-users (p < 0.05).
Moderate-intensity exercise reduced dementia risk significantly (OR = 0.599, p < 0.01), while high-intensity exercise showed even better results (OR = 0.399, p < 0.001).
Depression significantly increased dementia risk (OR = 2.199, p < 0.05), while individuals with two or more chronic diseases had a fourfold higher risk (OR = 4.877, p < 0.001).

Abstract

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the effects of senior center utilization, exercise intensity, age, economic activity, depression, and the number of chronic diseases on the risk of dementia among older adults in Korea. The research sought to determine whether participation in community-based senior centers and engagement in regular physical activity contribute to the prevention of dementia.METHODS Data were derived from the 5th (2017), 6th (2020) waves of the Korean National Survey on Older Adults conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. A total of 12,153 participants aged 65 years and older were included after excluding incomplete responses. Descriptive statistics, univariate analyses and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 to identify factors associated with dementia risk.RESULTS Older adults who utilized senior centers had a significantly lower risk of dementia compared with those who did not (p p p p p < 0.001). Interestingly, individuals diagnosed with hyperlipidemia or diabetes showed lower dementia risk, possibly reflecting better medical management and lifestyle modification.CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that participation in senior centers and engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity play critical roles in maintaining cognitive function and preventing dementia among older adults. Senior centers serve as essential community-based facilities that promote physical, cognitive, and social engagement. Therefore, expanding access to senior centers and developing integrated exercise and cognitive training programs through intersectoral collaboration among health, welfare, and physical activity professionals are essential for sustainable dementia prevention strategies in an aging society.

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