The association between sports social capital and cognitive health: A longitudinal study of middle-aged and elderly adults in China

IF 3.6 2区医学 Q1 PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

Ssm-Population Health Pub Date : 2025-03-14 DOI:10.1016/j.ssmph.2025.101778

Yutao Li, Hengguo Song

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Abstract

This study examines the association between sports social capital and cognitive health in middle-aged and elderly individuals in China. Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and deep learning methods, we analyze interactions between sports social capital, cognitive function, and various health behaviors across multiple time points. Findings reveal that baseline cognitive scores and education are key predictors of cognitive health, consistent with cognitive reserve theory. Importantly, education amplifies the benefits of sports social capital, suggesting a synergistic effect that supports cognitive function. Results further show that sports social capital exerts a cumulative effect on cognition, with its influence increasing over time. Unlike general physical activity, sports social capital—formed through social engagement in sports—plays a unique role in sustaining cognitive function. Additionally, it is associated with a reduction in the cognitive risks of smoking and other behaviors, highlighting its potential role as a buffer against health risks. This research extends social capital theory in health contexts and suggests that promoting group sports activities that foster social support networks could serve as an effective intervention. Such policies, particularly among lower-education groups, may help preserve cognitive health within aging populations.

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来源期刊

Ssm-Population Health PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH-

CiteScore

6.50

自引率

2.10%

发文量

298

审稿时长

101 days

期刊介绍： SSM - Population Health. The new online only, open access, peer reviewed journal in all areas relating Social Science research to population health. SSM - Population Health shares the same Editors-in Chief and general approach to manuscripts as its sister journal, Social Science & Medicine. The journal takes a broad approach to the field especially welcoming interdisciplinary papers from across the Social Sciences and allied areas. SSM - Population Health offers an alternative outlet for work which might not be considered, or is classed as ''out of scope'' elsewhere, and prioritizes fast peer review and publication to the benefit of authors and readers. The journal welcomes all types of paper from traditional primary research articles, replication studies, short communications, methodological studies, instrument validation, opinion pieces, literature reviews, etc. SSM - Population Health also offers the opportunity to publish special issues or sections to reflect current interest and research in topical or developing areas. The journal fully supports authors wanting to present their research in an innovative fashion though the use of multimedia formats.