Spousal Education and Cognitive Function: Evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
2024

Spousal Education and Cognitive Function

Sample size: 7131 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Liu Hui, Wang Juwen, Zhang Wencheng, Zaborenko Callie

Primary Institution: Purdue University

Hypothesis

Does spousal education influence cognitive function among older couples in England?

Conclusion

Higher educational attainment of both spouses is linked to better cognitive function for each partner.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study analyzed data from 7,131 couples.
  • Higher educational attainment was associated with better cognitive function.
  • The findings suggest a correlation in cognitive trajectories between spouses.

Takeaway

If both partners in a couple have more education, they tend to think better as they get older.

Methodology

Data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) Waves 7-9 was analyzed using Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM).

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on couples in England, which may limit generalizability to other populations.

Participant Demographics

The sample comprised married and cohabiting couples aged 50 and older.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2149

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