Longitudinal relationships between smart wearables, social interaction, and cognitive function: A cross-lagged panel model

Objective: This study aims to explore the longitudinal relationship between the possession of smart wearables (smartwatch/smart wristband) and cognitive function while exploring the mediating role of social interaction. Methods: We utilized two waves of data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, including 9,164 participants aged 60 and above. A cross-lagged model was constructed to estimate the relationships among variables, with Sobel tests assessing mediating effects. Results: Smart wearables at T1 positively predicted social interaction at T2 (β=0.016, p<0.05), while social interaction at T1 positively predicted cognitive function at T2 (β=0.035, p<0.001). The longitudinal mediating effect of social interaction was significant (p<0.05). Heterogeneity analysis revealed gender differences and varying impacts on fluid and crystallized intelligence. Conclusion: A cross-lagged relationship exists among smart wearables, social interaction, and cognitive function, with social interaction serving as a mediator. This study verifies the health effects of smart products, providing insights for gerontechnology development.