Does ageing make life simpler? The dynamics, covariates, and implications of complexity of time-use patterns in late adulthood

Ageing affects individuals’ daily behaviours. Functional and social limitations increase, while the pool of possible activities and individuals’ ability to switch between tasks decline. If older adults lose ability to perform certain activities and do not substitute them with others, the complexity of their daily time-use sequences will decline. Studies show that having less complex behaviours and being in less complex environments are associated with poorer cognitive performance, worse intellectual functioning, and lower wellbeing. This study looks at complexity of everyday time-use patterns of older adults, aged 65 and above. A pooled sample of 25,495 time-use diaries came from four nationally representative time-use surveys: German (2012/2013), Polish (2013/2014), Finnish (2009/2010), and British (2014/2015). Using multivariable linear regression we investigated how complexity was related to individuals’ age, gender, education and income, area of residence, household composition, and disability status. Complexity generally declined in later life but its mean levels and the steepness of this decline differed across countries. Controlling for age, complexity was significantly lower for men and lower-educated individuals, as well as for individuals with disabilities and those living in larger households. Most older adults want to live rich and engaged lives. Individuals having significantly less complex sequences may be at an increased risk of functional, cognitive or social decline, and lower overall wellbeing. Looking at sequence complexity may offer unique insight into older adults’ overall functioning in later life.