Social Engagement and Cognitive Function Among Chinese Older Adults During the COVID-19 Outbreak: Gender and Urban–Rural Disparities

ObjectivesThis study examines the association between reduced social engagement and cognitive function among older adults in China during the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on gender and urban-rural differences.MethodsUsing China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study data, we used OLS regression to assess changes in cognitive function before and during the pandemic and their associations with changes in physical and cognitively stimulating activities.ResultsCognitive function declined across social groups, with the largest decline among urban women. Moderate physical activity was not associated with less cognitive function, whereas decreased engagement in cognitively stimulating activities was associated with greater decline.ConclusionsForms of social engagement were associated with cognitive function of older adults in distinct ways, underscoring the need for a nuanced rather than uniform interpretation. The observed differences in cognitive function by subgroups suggest a need for targeted interventions to support older populations in the post-pandemic context.