Having A Large Family Size Impacts Cognition In Old Age: Study

Spread the love

Brain News

A group of international researchers explored the causal effects of high fertility and large family size on late-life cognition. The findings are published in the journal Demography.

The Study

The research team was drawn from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, the Robert Butler Columbia Aging Center, and the Université Paris-Dauphine. They analyzed data from the recent Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) which contained representative samples from 20 European countries and Israel. The participants were aged 65 and above and had two or more children.

The Findings

The results revealed that high fertility and a larger family size cause a decline in cognitive abilities in later life, for both men and women. In fact, the impact occurs via several pathways, including:

  • Financial burden and uncertainty
  • Stressful and erratic lifestyles
  • Decrease in the living standards of all family members
  • Reduction in women’s lower labor market participation
  • Enhanced health risk behaviors like sleep deprivation, low nutrition, etc.

Debatable Results

The researchers are enthusiastic that the findings of the study can ensure successful aging at both the individual and the societal levels.

In the words of one of the lead researchers, Eric Bonsang, “[for] individuals, late-life cognitive health is essential for maintaining independence and being socially active and productive in late life. For societies, ensuring the cognitive health of the older population is essential for extending work lives and reducing health care costs and care needs.”

However, the researchers also agreed that, in some cases, high fertility decreases the risks of dementia and reduced cognitive functioning in later life. For instance, having a large number of children decreases the risk of social isolation and raises the level of social interaction and support. This positively affects late-life cognition.

To Know More, You May Refer To

Bonsang, E., & Skirbekk, V. (2022). Does Childbearing Affect Cognitive Health in Later Life? Evidence From an Instrumental Variable Approach. Demography, 9930490. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1215/00703370-9930490


Spread the love
  • Finding Serenity Amidst Chaos: The Crucial Role of Meditation in Today’s Hectic World

    Finding Serenity Amidst Chaos: The Crucial Role of Meditation in Today’s Hectic World

    Research delves into the mental health benefits of meditation.

  • Why Teen Girls Are Considering Suicide In Shocking Numbers?

    Why Teen Girls Are Considering Suicide In Shocking Numbers?

    Research provides insights into the rise in suicidal behavior in…

  • How Cosmetic Surgery Affects Mental Health

    How Cosmetic Surgery Affects Mental Health

    Research delves into the mental health impact of cosmetic surgery.

  • What Netflix’s Sex Education Says About Financial Politics In Friendships

    What Netflix’s Sex Education Says About Financial Politics In Friendships

    Research delves into the intricacies of financial politics in friendships.

  • Debunking Popular Misconceptions About Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

    Debunking Popular Misconceptions About Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

    Understanding the myths and realities of borderline personality disorder.

  • Binge Eating Disorder: Is It Ok To Eat Food To Suppress Uncomfortable Emotions?

    Binge Eating Disorder: Is It Ok To Eat Food To Suppress Uncomfortable Emotions?

    Research explores why everyone who binge eats do not necessarily…

  • Dwayne Johnson Opens Up About His Depression: Why This Mental Health Conversation Matters

    Dwayne Johnson Opens Up About His Depression: Why This Mental Health Conversation Matters

    Dwayne Johnson aka “The Rock” opens about his mental health…

  • What Does Having An Imaginary Friend Says About Children’s Mental Health?

    What Does Having An Imaginary Friend Says About Children’s Mental Health?

    Research explores the mental health implications of having imaginary friends…

  • Community And Mental Health: How Are They Related?

    Community And Mental Health: How Are They Related?

    Research delves on the mental health benefits of community support.

  • Why Is Healthy Emotional Regulation In Children Good For Mental Health?

    Why Is Healthy Emotional Regulation In Children Good For Mental Health?

    Understanding why healthy emotional regulation is important for children’s mental…

  • Can Unconventional Therapies For Children Reduce The Risk Of Mental Illness?

    Can Unconventional Therapies For Children Reduce The Risk Of Mental Illness?

    Research delves into the mental health benefits of unconventional therapies…

  • What Are The Benefits Of Bedtime Meditation?

    What Are The Benefits Of Bedtime Meditation?

    Experts explore the mental health benefits of bedtime meditation.

  • The Power of Mental Health Campaigns In Changing Minds And Shaping Lives

    The Power of Mental Health Campaigns In Changing Minds And Shaping Lives

    Research explores the potential of awareness campaigns in opening up…

  • How To Move Past Yet Honor Mother’s Day Grief

    How To Move Past Yet Honor Mother’s Day Grief

    Research delves on the mental health implications of Mother’s Day…

  • How Beauty Filters Can Affect Mental Health In The Age Of Social Media?

    How Beauty Filters Can Affect Mental Health In The Age Of Social Media?

    Studies explore the mental health effects of beauty filters and…

  • Did You Know Poor Posture Can Affect Mental Health?

    Did You Know Poor Posture Can Affect Mental Health?

    Reseach explores the mental health benefits of good posture.

  • Mental Health And Crime: What Is The Link?

    Mental Health And Crime: What Is The Link?

    Studies explore how the “mental health” angle in true crime…

  • Can Long Work Hours Affect Mental Health?

    Can Long Work Hours Affect Mental Health?

    Research delves into the mental health effects of long and…

  • Mental Health Awareness Month: Why Is It Important To Celebrate?

    Mental Health Awareness Month: Why Is It Important To Celebrate?

    Experts opine on the importance of celebrating mental health-related days…

  • Can Social Media Trigger Youth Suicide? Experts Reveal

    Can Social Media Trigger Youth Suicide? Experts Reveal

    Research provides insights into the association between social media and…

  • AI Anxiety: Why People Fear Losing Their Jobs To AI and ChatGPT? National Anxiety Month
  • Do Mental Health Conversations Reinforce The Stigma?

    Do Mental Health Conversations Reinforce The Stigma?

    Experts recommend ways to have fulfilling mental health conversations.

  • Research Reveals The Health Benefits of Beat Synchronization

    Research Reveals The Health Benefits of Beat Synchronization

    Research delves into the mental health benefits of beat synchronization…

  • Can Money Buy You Happiness? Science Says Yes

    Can Money Buy You Happiness? Science Says Yes

    Research explores the link between money and happiness.

  • Research Reveals The Role Of Mothers In Shaping Children’s Education

    Research Reveals The Role Of Mothers In Shaping Children’s Education

    Research delves on the role of maternal education on children’s…

  • Therapy Doesn’t Work For Everyone, Research Reveals Why

    Therapy Doesn’t Work For Everyone, Research Reveals Why

    Research provides insights into the nature of unsuccessful therapies.

  • How Are Coparenting And Child Well-Being Related?

    How Are Coparenting And Child Well-Being Related?

    Research explores the link between co-parenting and child well-being.