Introduction In super-aging societies, the increasing prevalence of dementia has become a major cause of long-term care needs. Because slowing dementia progression after onset is difficult, international attention has shifted toward preventive strategies. In this context, simple and sustainable forms of physical and cognitive engagement in daily life are considered effective for maintaining cognitive function. Purpose Although drones are often used for military applications, their recreational use has expanded in recent years. In this study, we focused on the dual-task (DT) characteristics of drone operation, which requires simultaneous finger manipulation and situational judgment, and its potential to facilitate communication in group settings. Because DT activities have been linked to cognitive enhancement, we aimed to examine cognitive changes in middle aged and older adults during drone operation. Methods Thirty-three middle-aged and older adults without signs of dementia participated in a 50-minute drone operation session, which included 15 minutes of training. Cognitive function was assessed before and after the session using the Trail Making Test (TMT)-A (visual attention and processing speed) and TMT B (cognitive flexibility and executive function). The task completion time served as the primary performance indicator, with shorter times being indicative of improvement. Results and Discussion Comparison of TMT-A and TMT-B scores pre- and post-drone operation revealed DT-associated cognitive changes, with a potential improvement trend in post drone operation scores. Drone operations may help prevent cognitive decline. In the future, establishing standardized DT assessment criteria may support the practical implementation of drone-based programs to promote cognitive health in middle-aged and older adults.