Latent Profile Analysis of Physical and Cognitive Leisure Activity Level Among Chinese Middle-aged and Older Adults: A Cross-sectional Study

Authors

• Zhenying Liang, College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
• Pankaew Tantirattanakulchai, Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
• Nuchanad Hounnaklang, College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand Chulalongkorn 62, Phyathai Rd, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, ThailandFollow

Abstract

Background: The global aging trend has accelerated. This study tried to identify the factors related to different patterns of physical and cognitive leisure activities among Chinese middle-aged and older adults.

Method: Latent Profile Analysis was conducted to classify 12,480 participants aged 45 and above, followed by logistic regression to understand associations between activity profiles and related factors.

Results: Physical activity (n = 2,269) and cognitive leisure activity groups (n = 10,211) were identified according to their different levels of physical activity and cognitive leisure activity engagement. Middle-aged individuals (aOR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.29–1.56), rural residents (aOR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.23–1.55), and individuals without formal education (aOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.53–2.10) were more likely to belong to the physical activity group. Depression (aOR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.06–1.42) and without BADL limitations (aOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.21–3.67) were also significantly associated with membership in this group.

Conclusion: Physical and cognitive leisure activity groups were identified, with age, residence, education, depression, and BADL associated with group membership. Digital and community-based interventions could support both physical and cognitive engagement.

Keywords: Activity pattern, Healthy aging, Health behavior, Latent profile analysis, Well-being, China

Recommended Citation

Liang Z, Tantirattanakulchai P, Hounnaklang N. Latent Profile Analysis of Physical and Cognitive Leisure Activity Level Among Chinese Middle-aged and Older Adults: A Cross-sectional Study. J Health Res. 2026; 40(1):-. DOI: https://doi.org/10.56808/2586-940X.1216

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