ObjectivesTo examine the cognitive performance among the elderly and associated influencing factors.MethodsUsing data from the six issues of Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) conducted from 1998 to 2011, selecting adults aged 80 years or above, multilevel hierarchical model was utilized to estimate the trend of the elderly's cognitive performance and its influencing factors.ResultsA total of 128 cases were studied. The descent in MMSE was not significant with the growth of age (P=0.834). Female's MMSE scores were lower than male's (P=0.011) and descended quicker (P=0.015). Furthermore, ADL status and level of leisure activity were significantly related to the cognitive performance of both male and female (P<0.05).ConclusionsParticipation in leisure activities were the crucial protective factor for cognitive performance. It's recommended that measures be taken respectively for elderly males and females, and policies be stressed to enhance their cognitive performance, thus to guarantee their healthy aging.