Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Applied Psychology

Committee Chair/Advisor

Dr. Lesley Ross

Committee Member

Dr. Alyssa Gamaldo

Committee Member

Dr. Angie Sardina

Committee Member

Dr. Hye Won Chai

Abstract

Engagement in cognitively stimulating activities (CSAs) is critical for maintaining cognitive health in older adults. While existing research has examined the benefits of CSAs, less is known about how factors such as personality traits, education, and technology proficiency influence engagement, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to explore older adults' participation in online versus in-person CSAs during the pandemic and identify key predictors of engagement. Using secondary data from the EFIT and ENACT studies, this research investigates how variables like marital status, education, personality traits, and mobile device proficiency shape older adults' decisions to engage in online or in-person CSAs. The results indicated that older adults were more likely to engage in online activities than in-person activities; however, there is a significant correlation between online and in-person engagement. Significant predictors of engagement include higher educational attainment, greater mobile device proficiency, and openness to new experiences. These results demonstrate the importance of enhanced digital literacy and accessibility and suggest the need for personalized engagement strategies that consider individual personality traits. This research contributes practical insights for designing interventions and technologies to encourage CSA participation among older adults, particularly in the context of increased reliance on online activities during the pandemic. Researchers and designers can better support cognitive health in older populations by addressing barriers to digital engagement and optimizing technology interfaces.

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