Cognitive reserve and successful aging: an integrative literature review

Abstract

Due to the rapid aging of the global population, concepts such as cognitive reserve and successful aging promote disease prevention and better quality of life to the elderly population and have gained attention in psychology and geriatrics studies. This integrative literature review aimed to identify and highlight the most relevant factors that may influence both concepts. In the recent literature regarding cognitive reserve, the most prominent markers were education, leisure activities, occupation complexity, and socioeconomic adversities. The aspects related to successful aging comprise physical (good physical and mental health), psychological (maintenance of cognitive functions), and social (leisure activities, education, and social interaction), including some of the aspects involved in cognitive reserve. Identifying factors that contribute to cognitive reserve and successful aging enables health and well-being to the elderly population and a better orientation to health professionals and caregivers.