Association of playing cards/mahjong with all-cause mortality in older adults: a cohort study
摘要
Engagement in leisure activities such as playing cards or mahjong has been linked to cognitive and physical benefits among older adults. However, the relationship between playing cards/mahjong and all-cause mortality remains unclear. This study aims to explore the association between playing cards/mahjong and all-cause mortality in a cohort of older Chinese adults.
MethodsWe analyzed data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) collected between 2002 and 2018. A total of 29,254 participants aged 65 or older were included in the study. Participants were categorized based on their frequency of playing cards/mahjong: almost every day, at least once a week, at least once a month or sometimes, and never. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to assess the association between playing cards/mahjong and all-cause mortality. Interaction and sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore potential effect modifications and the robustness of the findings.
ResultsDuring a mean follow-up of 4.6 years, 7,651 participants died. Compared to participants who never played cards/mahjong, those who played almost every day had a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82–0.95). Participants who played at least once a week (HR = 0.84; 95% CI, 0.78–0.91) similarly demonstrated reduced mortality. Participants who consistently played cards/mahjong at least once a week at both baseline and follow-up had a significantly lower all-cause mortality risk compared to never-players (HR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.52–0.86). Interaction analysis revealed that the protective effect of playing cards/mahjong was more pronounced in participants aged 80 or older (P-interaction < 0.001). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these associations.
ConclusionOlder adults who regularly play cards/mahjong have a lower risk of all-cause mortality, especially in the oldest groups. These leisure activities may promote longevity, but further research is needed to understand why.