Introduction

The oldest-old (85+) represent

the fastest-growing subset of

Americans and are projected

to comprise ~4% of the

population by 2050. This shift

raises important questions

about how to support their

cognitive health.

• Although physical activity (PA)

is widely linked to healthier

cognitive aging, minimal

studies have focused

specifically on adults in their

oldest-old years.

 

Aims

Examine how the timing and

intensity of physical activity

across the lifespan are associated

with cognitive performance in

cognitively and physically healthy

oldest-old adults.

 

Methods

 

Results

Current strenuous physical activity

was associated with better

processing speed.

• Current strenuous physical activity

and late-life moderate physical

activity were associated with higher

NIH Toolbox composite performance.

• Moderate physical activity during

midlife and strenuous physical

activity during late life were

associated with lower executive

functioning.

Conclusions

These findings align with prior research

showing that physical activity is strongly

tied to cognitive outcomes.

Strenuous activity, in particular, related

to advantages across multiple cognitive

domains.