Latent Profile Analysis of Physical and Cognitive Leisure Activity Level Among Chinese Middle-aged and Older Adults: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: The global aging trend has accelerated. This study tried to identify the factors related to different patterns of physical and cognitive leisure activities among Chinese middle-aged and older adults. Method: Latent Profile Analysis was conducted to classify 12,480 participants aged 45 and above, followed by logistic regression to understand associations between activity profiles and related factors. Results: Physical activity (n = 2,269) and cognitive leisure activity groups (n = 10,211) were identified according to their different levels of physical activity and cognitive leisure activity engagement. Middle-aged individuals (aOR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.29–1.56), rural residents (aOR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.23–1.55), and individuals without formal education (aOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.53–2.10) were more likely to belong to the physical activity group. Depression (aOR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.06–1.42) and without BADL limitations (aOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.21–3.67) were also significantly associated with membership in this group. Conclusion: Physical and cognitive leisure activity groups were identified, with age, residence, education, depression, and BADL associated with group membership. Digital and community-based interventions could support both physical and cognitive engagement.