The increasing incidence of dementia in the population resulted in growing research interest in studying direct effects of different factors on cognitive function in old age. The aim of this study was to identify psychosocial predictors of age changes in cognitive function in elderly institutionalized people. Subjects were 411 residents of 11 retirement homes in Zagreb, Croatia, 104 (25.3%) men and 307 (74.7%) women, aged between 56 and 96 years (average age 79 years) at baseline, ambulatory and not diagnosed with dementia. Variables measured included socio-demographic, social support, social participation, self-perceived health, functional ability and cognitive function. The same questionnaire was administered at both times, individually, in the institution, by trained interviewers. Significant psychosocial predictors of age changes in cognitive function were age, education, social participation and functional ability. Higher levels of intellectual, social and physical activity have longitudinal positive effects on cognitive function in old age. The identification of factors which prevent or postpone cognitive decline in old age has implications for reducing negative consequences on personal and societal levels.

psychosocial factors, cognitive function, ageing