The Longitudinal Dyadic Associations between Social Participation and Cognitive Function in Older Chinese Couples

Objectives Based on the “linked lives” tenant of the life course perspective, this longitudinal study aims to examine the actor and partner effects of social participation on cognitive function in older Chinese couples. Methods A total of 1,706 couples aged over 60 were included in the final analyses. Social participation was measured using two questions regarding types of activities and frequency. Cognitive function was measured using a combination of memory, orientation, visuoconstruction, attention, and calculation. The lagged-dependent APIM was used to model the dyadic associations between social participation and cognitive function. Results The time-averaged actor effects of both husbands’ and wives’ social participation on their own cognitive function were significant (p < .001 for both). The time-averaged partner effect of husbands’ social participation on wives’ cognitive function was significant (p < .001) but the reverse—the effect of wives’ social participation on husbands’ cognitive function—was not (p = .381). The time-specific actor and partner effects were not significant (p > .05 for all). Discussion Our findings indicate an asymmetrical pattern of actor–partner interdependence, where husbands’ social participation may affect their wives’ cognitive function on average, but wives’ social participation does not affect their husbands’ cognitive function. Clinical practitioners should invite both partners, especially husbands, to participate in social participation interventions to facilitate crossover benefits for wives. Moreover, policymakers should build more facilities to encourage older couples to engage in social activities to prevent cognitive decline.