The Development Trajectories of Media Exposure and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: An Analysis Based on Latent Growth Models

ABSTRACT Objective This study explores the developmental trajectories and influencing factors of media exposure and cognitive function among older Chinese adults, aiming to provide evidence for promoting healthy aging. Methods Data were drawn from the Chinese Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS) across 2016, 2018, and 2020, including 7625 participants who completed all cognitive assessments. Descriptive analyses and Pearson correlations examined relationships between cognitive function and media exposure. Unconditional least squares estimation identified trajectory patterns, and latent growth models (LGMs) were applied using Mplus 8.0 to assess developmental trends and interrelations. Results Significant variations were found in initial levels and growth rates of both media exposure and cognitive function ( p < 0.001). LGMs revealed negative correlations between intercepts and slopes for both cognitive function ( β = −0.530) and media exposure ( β = −0.324). Age, gender, and education significantly influenced baseline cognitive levels, while age and education also affected cognitive decline ( p < 0.001). The intercept of media exposure positively influenced both the intercept ( β 1 = 0.229) and slope ( β 2 = −0.070) of cognition, and its slope significantly affected cognitive change ( β = 0.184, p < 0.001). Conclusions Media exposure and cognitive function in older adults decline over time. Policies should prioritize women and those with lower education, expand their access to positive media content, and encourage balanced information engagement to mitigate cognitive decline and promote healthy aging.