Furthermore, the biomarker profile of physically active older people is more favorable for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes and the enhancement of bone health, and they exhibit higher levels of functional health, a lower risk of falling, better cognitive function, and reduced risks of moderate and severe functional and role limitations [ 26, 27].
"For instance, the Mediterranean diet has also been associated with lower blood pressure, better cognitive function, and lower incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular events," says Chocano-Bedoya.
"We know that older women who are socially engaged have better cognitive function and a lower risk of developing dementia later, but too much of a good thing just might be bad," Dr. Margery Gass, executive director of the North American Menopause Society, said in a statement.
Better cognitive function and higher levels of education are associated with better health and reduced mortality risk in later life.
Observational studies have linked self-reported PA to better cognitive function and less cognitive decline over time.
Therefore, health following experience of unemployment should be better among those with better cognitive function and the more highly qualified.
Patrick Hill of Washington University's Purpose, Aging, Transitions, and Health Lab and his colleagues have also found important advantages for more purposeful adults, including better cognitive functioning and greater longevity.
Omega-3 levels were linked to better cognitive functioning and to healthier blood vessels in the brain, but not to higher brain volume, which suggests that these beneficial fats may improve cognition by a different means.
The religious also had better physical functioning, better cognitive functioning, and were less likely to smoke, despite having more severe overall illness and being on dialysis for longer than less religious patients.
