Abstract: Cognitive function and mental health are two essential elements of healthy aging. Cognitive functions accelerated declined with increased age. Studies on mechanism of cognitive aging indicated that processing speed, working memory and executive function play important roles in the normal aging of cognitive abilities. The level of mental health and life satisfaction in most of the elderly was relatively high, and the state of mind tended to quiet and satisfaction with increased age. However, more attention should be paid to mental health problems in empty nest and/or single living elderly. Cognitive function and mental health of the elderly were influenced by many factors. These results provide useful suggestions on how to moderate the decline of cognitive functions and keep mental health of the elderly

Key words: cognitive function, mental health, elderly