THE INFLUENCE OF EARLY-LIFE SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN CHINA. (11th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Z; Xu, H; Li, L; Liu, J
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 2(2018)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 351
• Page End: 351
• Publication Date: 2018-11-11
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.1294
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Previous research has shown that childhood conditions have long-term effects on cognitive function in later life. We contribute to this literature by investigating the effects of early-life social relationships on cognitive function and cognitive change among adults aged 50 and older in China. We used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), 2011–2013, and its supplement ─ the 2014 Life History Survey. Our analytic sample included 11, 170 respondents. Cognitive function was measured by episodic memory and mental intactness. Our results show that having good friends and positive parent-child relationships in early life were associated with higher cognitive function at baseline and slower cognitive decline during the 2-year follow-up. Educational attainment accounted for some, but not all, of the associations. Our findings suggest that positive social relationships in early life may have long-term beneficial effects on cognitive function in later life.