Effect of the Environment on the Cognitive Functions of Older Adults: A Narrative Review

The primary neural processes that help maintain cognitive abilities during aging are neuronal plasticity and compensatory scaffolding. These can be directly promoted through participation in intellectually stimulating activities, without psychological stress, with physical exercise, and a healthy diet. In this context, environmental factors that affect cognition can be classified at three levels: (i) micro-level (family and home): social interaction with family members and indoor pollution; (ii) meso-level (commu-nity and services): the variety of land uses, ease of access, and green spaces; (iii) mac-ro-level (society in general and public policies): social representations of old age and aging (positive aging vs. ageism), and public policies to improve activities related to cognitive maintenance. All three levels are interrelated and are determinants of cogni-tive function in old age. In this sense, the interaction of intrinsic capacity with the en-vironment, linked to behavioral characteristics, determines cognitive functional capac-ity and well-being within the framework of healthy aging. Therefore, the aim of this review is to synthesize information on the effect of the environment on the cognitive functions of older adults, linking biological, environmental and behavioral elements.