Productive engagement patterns and their association with depressive symptomatology, loneliness, and cognitive function among older adults

Objectives: Little is known about composite patterns of productive engagement among older people. Related, the implication of these patterns for well-being remains unclear. The present study addresses these gaps. Methods: The analytical sample comprised 2037 community-dwelling Singaporeans aged 60 years and above. We included nine productive activities and employed latent class analysis to identify prevalent patterns of productive engagement. Regression analysis was then conducted to investigate the association of these patterns with depressive symptomatology, loneliness, and cognitive function. Results: Four productive engagement patterns (Low Activity, Family Support, Moderate Working-Volunteering, and Working-Family Support) were identified. Compared with Low Activity, Moderate Working-Volunteering, and Working-Family Support related to lower levels of depressive symptomatology and loneliness, respectively, and both patterns were associated with better cognitive function. Conclusion: Productive engagement patterns are differentially linked with depressive symptomatology, loneliness, and cognitive function. We interpret these findings with reference to the role perspective. We also discuss their policy implications.