ABSTRACT. The article gives a summary of the study 'Activity in older adults: Cause or consequence of cognitive functioning? A longitudinal study on everyday activities and cognitive performance in older adults' (Aartsen et al., 2002). In that study the impact of everyday activities on cognitive functioning over a period of six years was studied in a large 55-85 year old population-based sample (n=2,076). A cross-lagged regression model was applied. None of the activities were found to enhance cognitive functioning six years later when controlling for age, gender, level of education, and health, as well as for unknown confounding variables. Conversely, one cognitive function (i.e. information processing speed) appeared to affect developmental activity. It is suggested that although everyday activities do not contribute to maintenance of cognitive functioning, an active life may help to maintain the level of physical or mental health.
