Forms Of Social Participation Research Articles

Is Formal Social Participation Associated with Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies.

This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to explore the association between formal social participation and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults using data from longitudinal studies. A comprehensive search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science for longitudinal studies that assessed the association between formal social participation and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults published between January 2010 to 19 August 2022. Risk of bias was judged using the RoBANS tool. Meta-analysis using a random-effects model was computed with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for cognitive decline probability. Sensitivity analyses were made to explore any changes to the pooled statistical heterogeneity and pooled effect size. Certainty of evidence was judged using the GRADE framework. We included 15 studies comprising 136,397 participants from 5 countries. Meta-analyses showed that formal social participation was associated with reduced cognitive decline (OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.75-0.82, p < 0.001), with very low certainty of evidence. Formal social participation appears to enhance cognition in middle-aged and older adults, but further high-quality research is needed given the very low certainty of evidence.

Older Adults Affected by Abuse-What about Their Mental Health and Social Participation? A Mixed Methods Study.

The purpose of the study was to describe what types of abuse of older adults the healthcare providers in hospital emergency departments are currently able to identify. The study aimed at producing new information about the identification of abuse to enable the development of staff skills in the identification of abuse and in optimal interventions. The study is the first on the topic from the perspective of hospital emergency staff in Finland. The 76 participants represent 5 hospitals. The results are based on a statistical analysis of quantitative questions and on an inductive content analysis of participant experiences of suspected abuse. The inductive content analysis revealed that older adults subjected to abuse have narrowed social networks and many of them surrender to loneliness. Based on the relevant literature, the study discusses how the formal and informal social participation and mental health of this group of people could be promoted. Given the current limited resources, it is proposed that the idea of social prescribing might be applied informally, with help of a volunteer link person. Any interventions should be based on the older adults' conceptions of what is meaningful to them.

Association between formal social participation and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults: a longitudinal study using SHARE data

ABSTRACT Formal social participation significantly impacts health and well-being, potentially mitigating cognitive decline, although not consistently across all studies. Existing research often focuses solely on baseline participation levels, and age-related differences have primarily been explored among the Asian population. Therefore, this longitudinal study aims to assess the association between formal social participation and cognition across different age groups in individuals aged 50+ living in Europe and Israel, while capturing the dynamic nature of formal social participation. We use data from three waves (four, six, and eight) of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), comprising 85,601 respondents. Linear mixed-effects models were applied. The results show that participation in formal social activities mitigates cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults, especially among those aged 70 to 79 and 80+. These findings support the need for social policies promoting formal social activities, for lasting cognitive health benefits.

Socioeconomic inequalities in depressive symptoms in China: The role of social capital

This cohort study used the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, 2015–2018) to investigate the effects of socioeconomic status and social capital to the incidence of depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older individuals in China, incorporating a sample size of 9949 participants. Socioeconomic status, social capital and other explanatory variables were collected in 2015, while depressive symptoms were assessed in 2018. Basic characteristics and social capital measures were compared between urban and rural residents using the chi-square test. Logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between socioeconomic status, social capital and depressive symptoms, and the Karlson, Holm, and Breen (KHB) method was employed to verify the mediating role of social capital. We reported persistent socioeconomic inequalities in depressive symptoms, with rural residents and the illiterate having 1.45 times and 1.34 times higher odds of depression. We ascertained social capital from both the cognitive and structural constructs, where we enriched the measurement of structural social capital from three specific dimensions, i.e., informal interaction, altruism, and formal social participation. We found that both cognitive and structural social capital were associated with lower incidence of depressive symptoms, where informal interaction had the largest effect. The mediation analysis further illustrated that informal interaction contributed most to explain 6 %–12 % of the socioeconomic inequalities in depressive symptoms. These results highlighted the unsatisfied mental wellbeing of the vulnerable older people living in rural areas. The finding suggested that older people may benefit more from personal interactions than formal participations. To fulfill the Health in All vision, government and social organizations should consider how to create opportunities to better integrate the older people into the community.

Consultations in local government as a form of social participation in the Polish legal system

Współczesna doktryna administracyjna zwraca coraz większą uwagę na znaczenie społeczeństwa w administrowaniu i kształtowaniu polityk publicznych w rozumieniu administracji partycypacyjnej. Ten typ administracji jest najskuteczniejszy w samorządach lokalnych, gdzie można uczestniczyć osobiście lub grupowo lub bezpośrednio rozwiązywać problemy lokalne. Warunkiem realizacji pełnego zaangażowania społeczności lokalnych są określone działania administracji publicznej, polegające w szczególności na identyfikowaniu najważniejszych problemów, z jakimi borykają się jej mieszkańcy, poznaniu preferencji mieszkańców co do sposobu rozwiązywania tych problemów oraz angażując się w ich rozwiązywanie. Jedną z form udziału społeczeństwa w tworzeniu decyzji dla jednostek samorządu terytorialnego są konsultacje społeczne. Konsultacje społeczne przeprowadzane w ustawach samorządowych mają charakter opiniotwórczy i niewiążący. Mają one znaczenie legitymizujące dla specyficznego kształtu decyzji podejmowanych przez władzę, a także wzmacniają zadania stawiane obywatelom przez władze samorządowe. Celem artykułu jest analiza instytucji konsultacji społecznych w samorządzie terytorialnym jako jednej z form partycypacji społecznej w polskim systemie prawnym oraz przedstawienie ich roli w procesach podejmowania decyzji administracyjnych.

Social capital and all-cause mortality before and during the COVID-19 pandemic among middle-aged and older people: Prospective cohort study in Poland

Prior to the pandemic, studies demonstrated the mainly protective role of structural social capital on all-cause mortality, less evidence had been found for a protective role for cognitive social capital. However, some findings from the early stage of the pandemic suggest that civic participation and group affiliation may be associated with more COVID-19-related deaths, as was interpersonal trust. Thus, the study aimed to verify indicators of individual social capital as risk factors for 7.6-year all-cause mortality before COVID-19 pandemic and 1.6-year all-cause mortality during of the pandemic among men and women aged 50+ years in Poland.The Polish part of the COURAGE in Europe cross-sectional baseline study was conducted in 2011. The analysis included 2913 face-to-face interviews with randomly selected community-dwelling individuals. Information about deaths was obtained from the State Systems Department on Oct 7, 2021. Various aspects of structural and cognitive social capital were measured. The Cox proportional hazard models were used.Before the pandemic, a protective effect of structural (formal and informal social participation) and cognitive social capital (trust in family, trust in co-workers) on the risk of death was observed in women. However, a negative effect of cognitive social capital (trust in strangers) was found for women and men. No positive effect of social capital during the pandemic after controlling for the health-related characteristics was found. A negative effect of generalized trust on all-cause mortality during the pandemic was discerned for men, a negative effect of the level of one's social network was found in women.The observed patterns of relationships were totally different for analyzed periods of time, and different for men and women. Consequently, planning of social interventions directed towards middle and older age groups should consider various actions for men and women separately. The need for continuous evaluation of implemented social interventions was emphasized.

Connecting through clicks: A longitudinal examination of internet use and depressive symptoms among middle- and old-aged Chinese.

While prior investigations into the influence of internet engagement on depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older individuals have largely been favorable, concerns persist. Some research posits that internet use may detract from direct interpersonal interactions, elevating depression risks. Here, we scrutinize these contrasting views, endeavoring to delineate the relationship between internet use, social participation, and the ensuing depressive manifestations. We analyzed nationally representative data from three consecutive waves (2013-T1, 2015-T2, 2018-T3) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study survey. Measures of social participation encompassed formal social participation (i.e., attending clubs for mahjong, chess, sports, or other activities; participation in community organizations, volunteering, or enrolling in training courses) and informal social participation (i.e., interactions with friends or extending assistance to relatives, friends, or neighbors). Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate a focused longitudinal mediation model. Our dataset comprised 13 671 individuals aged 45 years or older. Baseline internet use was associated with a decrease in depressive symptoms by T3 (  = -0.143, SE = 0.055). The longitudinal association between internet use and the alleviation of depressive symptoms was partially mediated by enhanced formal social participation (indirect effect  = -0.023, SE = 0.011). For developing nations such as China, grappling with a rapidly aging demographic and scarce mental health infrastructure, pioneering initiatives that merge digital and formal social participation might be a valuable component in a multifaceted approach to alleviate late-life depression. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 218-224.

TRAJECTORIES OF FORMAL SOCIAL PARTICIPATION, GENDER, AND END-OF-LIFE CARE QUALITY AMONG OLDER AMERICANS

Abstract Limited research has examined the association between formal social participation trajectories and end-of-life care quality. The end of life could be characterized by experiences of heightened feelings of physical and psychological distress, breathlessness, constant hospitalization, and intrusive interventions. Formal social participation may improve the end-of-life care of older adults because they serve as sources of useful information, receipt of emotional support, and improve self-efficacy. This research examines the associations between formal social participation trajectories and proxy ratings of overall end-of-life care quality, and the moderating role of gender. Growth-based trajectory models were used to identify distinct developmental trajectories of formal social participation among older adults in the United States. Findings revealed four social participation trajectory classes among older adults towards the end of life, all with a general tendency to decline across time. Multinomial logistic regression analyses showed that although older adults with higher levels of formal social participation have more positive overall end-of-life care ratings, there are gender differences in these care ratings. Women are less likely than men to chart, by proxy report, positive care ratings at the end of life even though they have higher levels of formal social participation, and these gender differences in end-of-life care rating are explained more by healthcare factors than formal social participation trajectories. These results suggest that both formal social participation and positive interactions with health care at the end of life are more beneficial for older men than women.

IMPACT OF DIGITAL AND SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT ON QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG RURAL OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Objectives In the current digitalized society, digital and social engagement are important elements in the well-being of older adults. This study examines how different types of digital and social engagement are associated with different aspects of quality of life among rural healthy older adults. Methods Older adults without cognitive impairments, residing in the community in Southeast Idaho (n=154) participated in the ‘Aging in Idaho study’ in 2018. Internet use for communication, instrumental purposes, and health information searches were measured. Informal and formal social participation were measured. Five aspects of quality of life (QOL) were measured using the WHOQOL-BREF. Multiple regression analyses were performed. Results Well-educated (M=16 years) rural older adults used the Internet for various purposes, actively engaged in social activities, and reported higher level of QOL for overall and life environment (e.g., M=4.6, Range=1-5). Internet use for communication was positively associated with QOL general health (β=.20, P &amp;lt;.05). Online health information search was negatively associated with QOL general health (β= -.42, P &amp;lt;.05). Informal social participation was positively associated with QOL overall (β=.17, P &amp;lt;.05), psychological health (β=.13, P &amp;lt;.05), and life environment (β=.20, P &amp;lt;.05). Formal social participation was positively associated with QOL social relationships (β=.16, P &amp;lt;.05). Discussion Digital and social engagement relate in distinct ways with different aspects of QOL. Older adults perceived QOL to be better when they actively adopted digital technology whereas maintaining social engagement well in the community. Promoting digital engagement which enables to facilitate social engagement in later life will be discussed.

Motivational and personal characteristics of students taking part in the implementation of volunteer projects of a social orientation

Problem and objective. The study is aimed at studying the totality of motivational, personal characteristics and value orientations of students participating in the implementation of volunteer projects of a social orientation. The purpose of the study: to present the structural characteristics of the personal potential of students participating in volunteer activities, to identify the personal characteristics that determine the involvement in volunteering in order to develop effective educational approaches and practices to strengthen the active life position of student youth, to involve them in various forms of social participation, care and support in the current period. Research methods. The study involved 86 students of the Belgorod National Research University. Methods of progress monitoring and psychological testing were used: Method Questionnaire of internal-external motivational orientation; Method Multifactor personality questionnaire FPI; Hardiness Test; Method Research of value orientations; Method for diagnosing the orientation of the personality; Method for diagnosing socio-psychological attitudes of a person in the motivational-demanding sphere. Results of the study. The structure of personal potential determining the formation of the desire for volunteer activity is presented. The model of psychological support of students for the purpose of introduction to volunteer activity is defined. In particular, it is necessary to work on the formation of a motivational-need component, emotional-volitional, communicative, value-semantic, cognitive. Compared to students who are not involved in volunteer activities, students involved in volunteer activities are characterized by a higher level of resilience (tEMP=10,1), risk-taking (tEMP=8,3), involvement (tEMP=7,4). People who realize their personal potential in volunteering are more activity-oriented (tEMP=6,8). Their individual psychological characteristics are characterized by greater sociability (tEMP=7,6), poise (tEMP=6,9), openness (tEMP=8,3), emotional stability (tEMP=9,2). They are more resultoriented (tEMP=8,2), prone to altruism (tEMP=7,7). Conclusion. The mechanism and conditions of personalization of students' volunteer activity indicated in the study have no exact analogues in modern practice-oriented developments and can be used in the formation of the educational potential of volunteer activity among students.

Trajectories of Informal and Formal Social Participation After Retirement

Abstract Literature suggests that on average, social participation declines after retirement. However, there likely remains substantial variability in individual experiences. We rely on seven waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging to identify contrasting social participation trajectories of individuals 45 years and older after leaving work, and their individual-level correlates. Informal and formal social participation were measured through self-reported frequencies of meeting a friend and attending a group respectively. Group-based trajectory modeling delineated heterogeneous changes over time and multinomial logit regressions estimated individual-level correlates of the trajectories. While a minority of respondents experienced trajectories of decreasing social participation (6%–12%), a majority exhibited stable trajectories (79%–81%), and some even experienced increasing participation (7%–8%). There was also a U-shaped trajectory of decline and recovery in formal social participation (7%). Our findings challenge the belief that disengagement is the norm and illustrate the heterogeneous experiences of social participation after retirement. Returning to work, vs. stopping work for an extended period, was associated with favorable trajectories, pointing to the strong connection between work and social participation, and the potential for interventions that promote bridge employment and lifelong learning. Interestingly, the high stable trajectory of informal participation was associated with certain factors that may be considered vulnerabilities, such as being older, female, single, living in non-metropolitan regions, and retiring from irregular work. This highlights the possibility that despite facing challenges, older adults can aspire towards high social participation.

Association between Social Participation and Remaining Teeth and Urban-Rural Difference among Older Adults in China.

Oral health is an important part of older adults' general health. The study examined the association between social participation (formal and informal) and remaining teeth and the urban-rural difference based on a national survey of older adults in China. The data of older adults were extracted from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) and analyzed. A total of 11,948 respondents were ultimately involved, including 6836 urban respondents and 5112 rural respondents. Informal social participation and formal social participation were used to assess social participation. The number of remaining natural teeth was measured. Social participation was significantly associated with remaining teeth among older adults, after adjusting for confounders, a one-level increase in the informal social participation was associated with a decrease in natural teeth by 0.152 (95% CI = -0.274; -0.030) and a one-level increase in the formal social participation was associated with a decrease in natural teeth by 0.370 (95% CI = -0.585; -0.156). In addition, the association between social participation (formal and informal) and remaining teeth was observed among urban older adults, but not rural older adults. A high level of social participation may effectively decrease the risk of oral-health problems for the Chinese older adults. The findings suggest recommendations for an older adults-targeted policy and the practice of oral-health promotion. However, the urban-rural difference should be taken into full consideration in social-participation-driven oral-health promotion interventions.

Society participation in preservation of Kuda Lumping Dance in Kedungboto Village, Kendal Regency

This research aims to analyze the existence of the Kuda Lumping art in Kedungboto Village; the society interprets the art of Kuda Lumping in Kedungboto Village; the society's participation in the preservation of the Kuda Lumping dance in Kedungboto Village. The research method in this study used a qualitative research method. The data collection method used observation, interviews, and observation. The test technique for determining the validity of the data was used triangulation. The data analysis technique used an interactive model carried out by data collection, data reduction, presentation, and verification. This research showed that: The existence of Kuda Lumping art in Kedungboto Village now it's growing and getting better in terms of appearance, clothes, equipment, and music. Society interprets the Kuda Lumping art as; some people consider Kuda Lumping as entertainment; some consider Kuda Lumping a tradition, and some consider Kuda Lumping a ritual. The society's participation in preserving the Kuda Lumping dance Turonggo Wahyu Budoyo and Turonggo Tresno Budoyo were very active and enthusiastic. The form of social participation was through the idea, energy, property, skills, and social participation.

Social Capital as a Factor of Social Participation: The Case of the Vologda Region

The most important resource for the development of a territory that provides dynamism and ensures adaptation to changes is a society’s energy for activity. The activity resource of a city, region or settlement, in our opinion, can be measured by the development of practices of social participation among its population. The main types of social participation are involvement in formal public organizations, informal participation, which consists of collective practices of participation without membership in organizations, and practicing helpful behavior, which may be purely personal in nature. The level of social participation is influenced by external and internal factors. External are a region’s socio-economic characteristics, activity of organizations and authorities aimed at stimulating and involving the population in the practice of participation. Internal factors include motivation to participate, attitudes and values that influence the population. The basic hypothesis of the study is that the fundamental motive for social participation is the creation of a network of social ties, the expansion of contacts, which contributes to the accrual of social capital. At the same time, different forms of social participation have different potential for accrual of social capital. Paradoxically, it is most actively formed within the framework of informal participation practices. To prove this trend, the categories of social capital and social resources that are well-known and widely used in theoretical and practical research activities are used. The empirical basis of the study was a representative survey of the population of Vologda Oblast. It was revealed that the most important reasons for involvement in the activities of public organizations and involvement in informal participation, according to most active segments of the population, include “communication with interesting people”, “useful connections”, “making new friends”. Social participation acts as a mechanism for the formation of personal social capital. A side effect of this is the formation of group social capital and the social capital of the territorial community as a whole. This happens due to the expansion of networks and an increase in solidarity, responsibility and willingness to unite, which, in turn, stimulates participation, which becomes an important social effect for the development of the territory. The practical significance of the study is to identify the core of motivation of active segments of the population, which is a guideline for building a policy of involving more inert groups of the population in the practice of social participation.

Associations Between Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Social Participation Among Older Americans.

This study investigated the associations between self-reported deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH) and informal and formal social participation among Americans aged 65 or older and how their family resources, health, and community social capital may partially account for these associations. Using cross-sectional data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, multiple logistic regressions were conducted to test the research questions. Results revealed that older adults who were D/HH had significantly lower odds of attending recreational and clubs and organized activities. Family resources and health significantly explained the disparity for all types of social participation, whereas community social capital contributed more to the disparity in religious service attendance. Findings provide important intervention directions to reduce the disparity in late-life social participation as a result of experiencing D/HH.

Association of social capital with obesity among older adults in China: a cross-sectional analysis

BackgroundUnder the global aging trend, health issues of the elderly have received more and more attention. Among them, older adults’ obesity is one of the common health problems of the elderly. The association between social capital and obesity in the older adults has been analysed and discussed in previous studies but remains controversial. There are few studies on the association between social capital and obesity in the older adults in China. We examined whether social capital was associated with obesity in Chinese older adults.MethodsThe data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) —wave 8 (2017–2018) was used in this study. Totally, 10,164 respondents were included in the final analysis. Generalized trust, social participation (informal social interaction and participation of organized social activities), and social support was used as measures of social capital. Obesity status was defined by body mass index (BMI). Logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between the social capital and obesity, adjusting for confounders.ResultsWe found that the older adults who did not trust people around had greater odds of being overweighted/obese compared to those who trust [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 1.155, 95% CI 1.045 to 1.265]. The older adults having formal participation (participating in organized social activities) registered considerably higher BMI (AOR 1.155, 95% CI 1.041 to 1.269). The older adults who did not trust people around them had greater odds of being overweighted/obese both in males (AOR 1.172, 95% CI 1.012–1.333) and in females (AOR 1.155, 95% CI 1.004–1.306). Males having formal social participation were more likely to be overweighted/obese (AOR 1.181, 95% CI 1.024 to 1.337), but not in females.ConclusionsGeneralized trust and formal social participation was associated with overweight/obesity among older adults in China. Targeted obesity interventions for older adults are needed by developing public health policies for social capital optimization.

TRAJECTORIES OF INFORMAL AND FORMAL SOCIAL PARTICIPATION AFTER RETIREMENT

Abstract Literature suggests that social participation, a component of successful ageing, declines on average after retirement, but to whom does this experience apply? We sought to identify contrasting longitudinal trajectories of social participation after retirement, and their associated individual-level correlates. Seven waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing provided data on the informal and formal social participation, measured by frequencies of meeting a friend and attending a group respectively, of individuals 45 years and older who left work. Group-based trajectory modeling captured heterogenous changes over time in social participation after retirement. Multinomial logit regressions estimated individual-level correlates of the trajectories, including whether the individual returns to work. While a sizeable minority of respondents did experience decreasing trajectories of informal (17%) and formal (23%) participation, a majority exhibited stable trajectories of either type of social participation, and some experienced increasing formal (9%) participation. Employment type, age, gender, education, marital status, region, health, and economic satisfaction were associated with the trajectories. Returning to work, versus stopping work for an extended period, was associated with moderate stable or increasing trajectories of social participation. The findings challenge the belief that decline in social participation is the norm after retirement. They underscore the presence of heterogenous experiences of social participation after retirement, and identify vulnerable sub-groups that do experience decline. Furthermore, as returning to work may be beneficial for social participation, future studies should examine ways in which bridge employment can support successful aging.

The effects of social participation on social integration.

With the fast expansion of urbanization, temporary migrants have become a large demographic in Chinese cities. Therefore, in order to enhance the social integration of the migrant population, scholars and policymakers have an urgency to investigate the influencing factors of the integration progress. Prior studies regarding social integration have neglected to examine this topic from the perspective of social participation. Empirical research is conducted based on the data of 15,997 migrants across eight cities in the 2014 wave of National Migrant Population Dynamic Monitoring Survey (MDMS) in China. Hierarchical linear models were used to test the hypotheses regarding the impacts of formal social participation (FSP) and informal social participation (ISP) on social integration. Community type, neighbor composition, hometown pressure, withdrawal guarantee, and constraints of hukou were examined as moderators. FSP and ISP possess different features such as operating with distinct modes, providing different services. Members within the organizations also entail different rights and responsibilities, providing them with different types of social capital and psychological perceptions. Hence, this study strived to identify the effects of social participation behaviors on social integration from a social capital perspective. The results revealed that social participation is positively linked to social integration. We also distinguished between FSP and ISP of migrants to investigate the boundary effects of different types of social participation on social integration. The findings provide both theoretical and practical implications for scholars as well as policymakers on issues regarding the social integration of migrants.

Social Participation Through the Retirement Transition: Differences by Gender and Employment Status.

This study examines how retirees' formal and informal social participation change over time and investigates gendered differences. Seven waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing track the frequency of social participation. A comparison group of employed individuals, weighted with coarsened exact matching, controls for age and time trends, and mixed model regressions estimate changes over time. Retirees show a gradual decline in the frequency of meeting friends and an abrupt decrease in the frequency of attending a social gathering, compared to their working peers. These trends are much stronger for men than women, and compound pre-existing gender differences in social participation. The more severe decline in the social participation of men is of great concern and points to the persistence of gendered employment structures into the retirement transition, putting Korean retirees at risk of social isolation and related health deterioration.

Association between change in social participation and improved cognitive function among older adults in China: A national prospective cohort study.

We aimed to assess the association between change in social participation and long-term improved cognitive function among older adults. Data were obtained from 9648 participants aged ≥60years in the 2011, 2014 and 2018 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, a national prospective cohort study. Cox regression models were used to calculate adjusted risk ratios (aRRs). Social participation was increased in 20.5% of the participants, decreased in 37.8% of the participants and stable in 41.7% of the participants from the 2011 wave to the 2014-2018 waves. The improved cognitive function rate was 17.9% at follow-up. Compared to individuals with decreased social participation from the 2011 wave to the 2014-2018 waves, individuals with unchanged total social participation were 59% (aRR=1.59, 95% CI: 1.35-1.87) more likely to have improved cognitive function in the 2014-2018 waves, and individuals with increased social participation were 61% (aRR=1.61, 95% CI: 1.43-1.82) more likely to have improved cognitive function, regardless of the baseline social participation status. As for the three forms of social participation, compared with the participants with decreased social participation, those with increased participation in organised social activities, increased participation in group leisure-time activities, unchanged informal social interactions and increased informal social interactions were 24% (aRR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.02-1.51), 49% (aRR=1.49, 95% CI: 1.21-1.84), 55% (aRR=1.55, 95% CI: 1.37-1.76) and 57% (aRR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.34-1.84) more likely to have improved cognitive function (all p<0.05) respectively. The results were stable in the sensitivity analysis. Our findings highlight the importance of promoting social participation from a multidimensional perspective (duration, frequency and forms) to improve cognitive function among older adults, for policy makers and healthcare workers in the community.