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Age at Migration and Cognitive Health Among Chinese Older Immigrants in the United States
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Age at Migration and Cognitive Health Among Chinese Older Immigrants in the United States

Man Guo, Mengting Li, Hanzhang Xu, Meredith Stensland, Bei Wu and XinQi Dong
Journal of aging and health, Vol.33(9), pp.709-720
10/01/2021
DOI: 10.1177/08982643211006612
PMCID: PMC8667381
PMID: 33847534
url
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/8667381View
Open Access

Abstract

Objectives: This study addressed two questions: (1) Is age at migration associated with cognitive function among Chinese older immigrants? and (2) what personal and environmental factors confound the above relationship? Methods: Data were derived from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly (N = 2957). Quantile and linear regressions were used to examine the associations between age at migration and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and global cognitive function, respectively. Results: Migration in late middle age (50-64) or late adulthood (65 or older) was associated with lower MMSE scores. Global cognition did not vary by age at migration. Associations between age at migration and MMSE were stronger among individuals with lower education or social engagement. Discussion: Migrating late in one's life has important implications for cognitive health over the life course. Findings are helpful to identify vulnerable older immigrant segments and provide tailored interventions to promote their cognitive health.
Geriatrics & Gerontology Gerontology Health Care Sciences & Services Health Policy & Services Life Sciences & Biomedicine Science & Technology

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