Background: The relationship between diet, lifestyle and cognition of old adults has been indicated in several population-based studies. However, the conclusions derived from these studies are inconsistent. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 894 old Chinese adults aged 50 and above. Cognitive function of the participants was measured by using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. Demographic characteristics and lifestyle was collected with a questionnaire. A semi-quantified FFQ method was used for dietary intake survey. Results: Comparing with normal subjects, mild cognition impairment (MCI) patients were characterized as old age and lower education (P < 0.01). The nuts and cooking oil intake of MCI patients was less than the normal subjects (P < 0.05). Fruit and vegetable intake will benefit orientation, name and attention ability in the elderly (P < 0.05). Fruit and vegetable juice drinking will benefit abstraction ability (P < 0.01). Subjects with regular reading and housekeeping habit had better cognition (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Nuts, vegetables and fruit-rich diet might decrease the risk of cognition impairment. Reading and housekeeping help to maintain healthy cognition in the elderly. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.