scholarly journals Invited Commentary: Adult Child Migration and Parental Cognitive Decline—A New Perspective on Loneliness and Social Isolation

2020 ◽  
Vol 189 (8) ◽  
pp. 770-772
Author(s):  
Tjalling J Holwerda ◽  
Emiel O Hoogendijk
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Adult Child ◽  
Later Life ◽  
The United States ◽  
Migration Status ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Child Migration

Abstract There is a growing body of research on the link between social isolation, loneliness, and health outcomes in later life, including cognitive decline and dementia. In the current issue of the Journal, Torres et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2020;189(8):761–769) present findings from a study of the association between adult child migration status and cognitive performance among parents who stayed behind in Mexico, using longitudinal data (2001–2015) from the Mexican Health and Aging Study. This is an excellent example of the role that emotional and social factors may play in the development of cognitive impairment among older adults. In their study, having an adult child in the United States was associated with a steeper decline in verbal memory scores over time, but only among women. In the light of the increasing levels of immigration worldwide, this work is highly relevant, as it touches upon a less recognized socioemotional risk factor for cognitive decline: family-member migration status. Further research on this topic should be conducted in other countries and should include assessment of the social and emotional needs of those staying behind when a family member migrates. This will increase our understanding of how social isolation and loneliness relate to cognitive decline and may contribute to new directions for interventions.

scholarly journals US Migration Status of Adult Children and Cognitive Decline Among Older Parents Who Remain in Mexico

2020 ◽  
Vol 189 (8) ◽  
pp. 761-769 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline M Torres ◽  
Oleg Sofrygin ◽  
Kara E Rudolph ◽  
Mary N Haan ◽  
Rebeca Wong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Adult Child ◽  
The United States ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Migration Status ◽  
Verbal Recall

Abstract Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are experiencing rapid aging, a growing dementia burden, and relatively high rates of out-migration among working-age adults. Family member migration status may be a unique societal determinant of cognitive aging in LMIC settings. We aimed to evaluate the association between adult child US migration status and change in cognitive performance scores using data from the Mexican Health and Aging Study, a population-based, national-level cohort study of Mexico adults aged ≥50 years at baseline (2001), with 2-, 12-, and 14-year follow-up waves (2003, 2012, and 2015). Cognitive performance assessments were completed by 5,972 and 4,939 respondents at 11 years and 14 years of follow-up, respectively. For women, having an adult child in the United States was associated with steeper decline in verbal memory scores (e.g., for 9-year change in immediate verbal recall z score, marginal risk difference (RD) = –0.09 (95% confidence interval (CI): −0.16, −0.03); for delayed verbal recall z score, RD = –0.10 (95% CI: −0.17, −0.03)) and overall cognitive performance (for overall cognitive performance z score, RD = –0.04, 95% CI: −0.07, −0.00). There were mostly null associations for men. To our knowledge, this is the first study to have evaluated the association between family member migration status and cognitive decline; future work should be extended to other LMICs facing population aging.

scholarly journals Schizophrenia polygenic risk predicts general cognitive deficit but not cognitive decline in healthy older adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrianna P. Kępińska ◽  
James H. MacCabe ◽  
Dorina Cadar ◽  
Andrew Steptoe ◽  
Robin M. Murray ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Genetic Susceptibility ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Cognitive Deficit ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorder ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Semantic Fluency ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Rate Of Decline

AbstractThere has been a long argument over whether schizophrenia is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with progressive cognitive impairment. Given high heritability of schizophrenia, ascertaning if genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia is also associated with cognitive decline in healthy people would support the view that schizophrenia leads to an accelerated cognitive decline. Using the population representative sample of 6817 adults aged >50 years from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, we investigated associations between the biennial rate of decline in cognitive ability and the schizophrenia polygenic score (SZ-PGS) during the 10-year follow-up period. SZ-PGS was calculated based on summary statistics from the Schizophrenia Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. Cognition was measured sequentially across four time points using verbal memory and semantic fluency tests. The average baseline verbal memory was 10.4 (SD = 3.4) and semantic fluency was 20.7 (SD = 6.3). One standard deviation (1-SD) increase in SZ-PGS was associated with lower baseline semantic fluency (β = −0.25, 95%CI = −0.40 to −0.10, p = 0.002); this association was significant in men (β = −0.36, 95%CI = −0.59 to −0.12, p = 0.003) and in those who were aged 60–69 years old (β = −0.32, 95%CI = −0.58 to −0.05, p = 0.019). Similarly, 1-SD increase in SZ-PGS was associated with lower verbal memory score at baseline in men only (β = −0.12, 95%CI = −0.23 to −0.01, p = 0.040). However, SZ-PGS was not associated with a greater rate of decline in these cognitive domains during the 10-year follow-up. Our findings highlight that while genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia conveys developmental cognitive deficit, it is not associated with an ongoing cognitive decline, at least in later life. These results do not support the neo-Kraepelinian notion of schizophrenia as a genetically determined progressively deteriorating brain disease.

scholarly journals Social Islands: Examining the Intersection of Isolation and Technology Use

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 462-463
Author(s):  
Joseph Svec ◽  
Megan Gilligan
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Adult Child ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Using Data

Abstract Life course theory suggests that social relationships are tied to overall well-being. In the extant literature social isolation negatively impacts physical and mental health outcomes in later life. In this study, we focus specifically on the association between social isolation and older adult’s self-rated health status. We also examine whether and the extent to which technology use augments negative health consequences attributed to isolation. Using data on 3,758 older adults (ages 65+) from the 2018 wave of the Health and Retirement Study, we contribute to current scholarly examinations at the intersection of technology and isolation. We conduct a series of ordinal logistic regressions to estimate the odds of respondents’ higher self-rated health (from poor = 1 to excellent = 5) on subjective measures of social isolation (i.e. feel left out, lack of companionship and isolated from others) in addition to whether respondents live with a partner and have an adult child who lives in close geographic proximity. Preliminary results show that individuals who perceived higher levels of social isolation evaluated their own health status as poorer. We also find that the use of computers for virtual communications corresponds with higher self-rated health statuses, regardless of the proximity of children or other family members. However, a negative interaction between computer use and isolation indicates the positive effects of technology are limited for those who are highly isolated. These findings suggest that technology impacts on health are nuanced, where an overreliance on technology as a substitute may not consistently yield positive outcomes.

scholarly journals Age at Immigration and Depression: The Mediating Role of Contemporary Relationships with Adult Children among Older Immigrants

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heejung Jang ◽  
Natasha V Pilkauskas ◽  
Fenyan Tang
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Adult Children ◽  
Adult Child ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Older Immigrants

Abstract Objectives For the growing population of older immigrants in the United States, both age at immigration and familial relationships are important factors affecting psychological well-being. This study explores how age at immigration and contemporary relationships with adult children combine to explain older immigrants’ depressive symptoms. Method This study uses 2014 Health and Retirement Study data from a sample of 759 immigrants age 65 and older who have at least one adult child age 21 or older. A series of ordinary least squares regressions and mediational analyses were conducted. Results Findings indicate that structural solidarity significantly mediates the association between age at immigration and depressive symptoms. Specifically, immigrating in later life was associated with a lower level of depressive symptoms through its relationship with structural solidarity. In addition, giving monetary support to children and providing care for grandchildren may alleviate depressive symptoms for older immigrants. Discussion This study suggests that relationships with adult children may differ with age at immigration. The types of support that older immigrants provide to their adult children may be crucial because such support may instill a sense of obligation and reciprocity that may be beneficial to the psychological well-being of older immigrants.

scholarly journals Age at Immigration and Depression in Old Age: The Mediating Role of Contemporary Relationships With Adult Children

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 27-27
Author(s):  
Heejung Jang
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Adult Children ◽  
Adult Child ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Familial Relationships ◽  
Older Immigrants

Abstract For the growing population of older immigrants in the United States, both age at immigration and familial relationships are important factors affecting psychological well-being. This study explores how age at immigration and contemporary relationships with adult children combine to explain older immigrants’ depressive symptoms. This study uses 2014 Health and Retirement Study data from a sample of 759 immigrants age 65 and older who have at least one adult child age 21 or older. A series of ordinary least squares regressions and mediational analyses were conducted. Findings indicate that two aspects of familial relationships, associational solidarity and structural solidarity, significantly mediate the association between age at immigration and depressive symptoms. Specifically, immigrating in later-life was associated with a lower level of depressive symptoms through its relationship with structural solidarity. Immigrating in later-life was also associated with a higher level of depressive symptoms through its relationship with associational solidarity. In addition, giving monetary support to children and providing care for grandchildren may alleviate depressive symptoms for older immigrants. This study suggests that relationships with adult children may differ with age at immigration. The types of support that older immigrants provide to their adult children may be crucial because such support may instill a sense of obligation and reciprocity that may be beneficial to the psychological well-being of older immigrants.

scholarly journals Intellectual engagement and cognitive ability in later life (the “use it or lose it” conjecture): longitudinal, prospective study

BMJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. k4925 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger T Staff ◽  
Michael J Hogan ◽  
Daniel S Williams ◽  
L J Whalley
Keyword(s):  
Life Course ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Intellectual Engagement ◽  
Age Related

Abstract Objectives To examine the association between intellectual engagement and cognitive ability in later life, and determine whether the maintenance of intellectual engagement will offset age related cognitive decline. Design Longitudinal, prospective, observational study. Setting Non-clinical volunteers in late middle age (all born in 1936) living independently in northeast Scotland. Participants Sample of 498 volunteers who had taken part in the Scottish Mental Health Survey of 1947, from one birth year (1936). Main outcome measures Cognitive ability and trajectory of cognitive decline in later life. Typical intellectual engagement was measured by a questionnaire, and repeated cognitive measurements of information processing speed and verbal memory were obtained over a 15 year period (recording more than 1200 longitudinal data points for each cognitive test). Results Intellectual engagement was significantly associated with level of cognitive performance in later life, with each point on a 24 point scale accounting for 0.97 standardised cognitive performance (IQ-like) score, for processing speed and 0.71 points for memory (both P<0.05). Engagement in problem solving activities had the largest association with life course cognitive gains, with each point accounting for 0.43 standardised cognitive performance score, for processing speed and 0.36 points for memory (both P<0.05). However, engagement did not influence the trajectory of age related decline in cognitive performance. Engagement in intellectual stimulating activities was associated with early life ability, with correlations between engagement and childhood ability and education being 0.35 and 0.22, respectively (both P<0.01). Conclusion These results show that self reported engagement is not associated with the trajectory of cognitive decline in late life, but is associated with the acquisition of ability during the life course. Overall, findings suggest that high performing adults engage and those that engage more being protected from relative decline.

scholarly journals Love and Sexuality in Later Life: What Your Grandparents are not Telling You

2019 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 185-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kris A. Bulcroft
Keyword(s):  
Social Exchange ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Social Exchange Theory ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Courtship Behavior ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Adult Child ◽  
Intergenerational Relationships ◽  
Later Life ◽  
The United States

Abstract In a study of dating in later life, conducted in the Midwest in the United States, in which a sample of people age 60+ were interviewed regarding their dating behaviors and perceived functions of dating at this stage in the life course, preliminary evidence suggests that middle-generation offspring took on the role of gatekeepers of sexual standards of conduct and cohabitation outside marriage. Concomitantly, the older generation displayed modified attitudes about sexuality outside marriage in keeping with the opportunity structures available to them as part of the dating experience. When this paper was published in 1986 there were few studies of later life intimacy and dating, and the focus was on the older daters rather than on extended family or social network implications of dating in later life. Since my study in the mid-1980’s, research has flourished on later life dating and intimacy, but the focus continues to be on the dyad rather than exploring intergenerational family relationships and changes that result from re-coupling in later life. This paper will explore the adult child-older parent relationship in which the older person is dating and posit research questions based on two conceptual areas and one theoretical perspective – stereotyping of older people, transmission of values across generations, and social exchange theory – on which to build future studies of intergenerational relationships. This review of the literature will assist in understanding the middle generation’s response to an older parent’s dating and courtship behavior as well as consider why conflicts about later life dating between adult children and older parents are more likely under certain family conditions. Exploration of the literature on later life dating that has resulted since our 1986 study, coupled with theoretical underpinnings, is intended to help scholars in this area of study conduct research that will be more generalizable and theory-based.

scholarly journals Death of family members as an overlooked source of racial disadvantage in the United States

2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (5) ◽  
pp. 915-920 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debra Umberson ◽  
Julie Skalamera Olson ◽  
Robert Crosnoe ◽  
Hui Liu ◽  
Tetyana Pudrovska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Racial Differences ◽  
Racial Inequality ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Black Americans ◽  
Later Life ◽  
The United States ◽  
White Americans ◽  
Nationally Representative

Long-standing racial differences in US life expectancy suggest that black Americans would be exposed to significantly more family member deaths than white Americans from childhood through adulthood, which, given the health risks posed by grief and bereavement, would add to the disadvantages that they face. We analyze nationally representative US data from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth (n= 7,617) and the Health and Retirement Study (n= 34,757) to estimate racial differences in exposure to the death of family members at different ages, beginning in childhood. Results indicate that blacks are significantly more likely than whites to have experienced the death of a mother, a father, and a sibling from childhood through midlife. From young adulthood through later life, blacks are also more likely than whites to have experienced the death of a child and of a spouse. These results reveal an underappreciated layer of racial inequality in the United States, one that could contribute to the intergenerational transmission of health disadvantage. By calling attention to this heightened vulnerability of black Americans, our findings underscore the need to address the potential impact of more frequent and earlier exposure to family member deaths in the process of cumulative disadvantage.

scholarly journals Socioeconomic Status and Parenting Style From Childhood: Long-Term Effects on Cognitive Function in Middle and Later Adulthood

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (6) ◽  
pp. e13-e24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yujun Liu ◽  
Margie E Lachman
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Parenting Style ◽  
Later Life ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cognitive Change ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Role Of Parents

Abstract Objectives This study assesses whether childhood socioeconomic status (SES) is related to cognitive function and cognitive change at mid and later life and explores the buffering effects of parenting style and adulthood SES. Method Data were derived from the 3 waves of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study, a national survey including 7,108 participants aged from 24 to 75 years at baseline. We used multiple regression and multilevel models to investigate the associations between childhood SES, adulthood SES, and cognitive performance and change at midlife and the role of parents’ affection and discipline. Results Low childhood SES was associated with lower cognitive function and more cognitive decline at mid and later life. Adulthood SES moderated the effect of childhood SES on cognitive function. Interactions showed that paternal discipline was positively related to cognitive function among participants with low childhood SES, and negatively related to cognitive function among participants with high childhood SES. High paternal affection was associated with less cognitive decline at mid and later life. Discussion The findings advance the understanding of the long-term consequences of SES and psychosocial factors in early life that can lead to optimal cognitive function in middle and old age.

scholarly journals Financial Hardship and the Pain of Social Disconnection During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 96-96
Author(s):  
Tirth Bhatta ◽  
Nirmala Lekhak ◽  
Timothy Goler ◽  
Eva Kahana ◽  
Sfurti Maheshwari
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Financial Hardship ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Two Measures

Abstract Considerable scholarly attention has been directed at increasing social isolation and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their adverse impact on later life psychological well-being. Notably absent is the focus on financial hardship in the context of overlapping unprecedented economic and public health crisis. It is unclear whether loneliness continues to differ across different levels of financial hardship even amidst immense uncertainty, social isolation, and anxiety induced by the pandemic. Based on our nationwide web-based survey of adults aged 50 years and older (n=1861), we used ordinal logistic regression to examine the influence of financial hardship on loneliness and assessed the role of socioeconomic status (SES), emotional support, and health status in contributing to such influence. We found significantly higher odds of greater loneliness (β = .28, p &lt; .001) among individuals who reported experiencing greater financial hardship. Among two measures of SES, only household income contributed substantially to the influence of financial hardship on loneliness. We documented significantly lower emotional support and greater health disadvantage among individuals experiencing greater financial hardship. Consideration of emotional support and health status explained the remaining influence of financial hardship, due to their association with both financial hardship and loneliness. Despite a sense of shared vulnerability and social isolation across the general population, our findings suggest that SES inequalities in later life loneliness are maintained even in the midst of the pandemic.

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