ABSTRACT

Objective: This study analyzed cognitive leisure activity intervention studies in cognitively healthy middle-aged and older adult populations and establishes a foundation for application within the domestic community. Methods: We conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines, focusing on academic journals from January 2013 to December 2023. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, and APA PsycInfo databases using the terms “elderly” or “older*”, “leisure*” or “leisure activities,” “cognitive*”, and “dementia.” We selected experimental studies with control groups and assessed their quality using the PEDro scale. Results: Six studies analyzed cognitive function interventions through leisure activities grouped into four categories: playing musical instruments, reading, board games, and jigsaw puzzles. Excluding jigsaw puzzles, the experimental group exhibited significant cognitive function improvements, including enhancements in phonological and category verbal fluency, verbal and visual working memory, executive function, inhibitory control, divided attention, visual scanning, and overall cognitive function, compared with the control group. Improvements were also observed in performance, mood, and quality of life. Conclusion: This study found that cognitive leisure activities can improve cognitive function and psychosocial domains in community populations including middle-aged and older adults. These activities can be incorporated into daily life to promote cognitive health during occupational therapy.