Skip to main content

The effect of adult children living in the United States on the likelihood of cognitive impairment for older parents living in Mexico

Author(s): Downer, Brian; González-González, Cesar; Goldman, Noreen; Pebley, Anne R.; Wong, Rebeca

Download
To refer to this page use: http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/pr1bf70
Abstract: Objective—The increased risk for poor physical and mental health outcomes for older parents in Mexico who have an adult child living in the United States may contribute to an increased risk for cognitive impairment in this population. The objective of this study was to examine if older adults in Mexico who have one or more adult children living in the United States are more or less likely to develop cognitive impairment over an 11-year period compared to older adults who do not have any adult children living in the United States. Design—Data for this study came from Wave I (2001) and Wave III (2012) of the Mexican Health and Aging Study. The final sample included 2609 participants aged 60 and over who were not cognitively impaired in 2001 and had one or more adult children (age ≥15). Participants were matched using a propensity score that was estimated with a multivariable logistic regression model that included sociodemographic characteristics and migration history of the older parents. Results—Having one or more adult children living in the United States is associated with lower socioeconomic status and higher number of depressive symptoms, but greater social engagement for older parents living in Mexico. No significant differences in the odds for developing cognitive impairment according to having one or more adult children living in the United States were detected.Conclusion—In summary, having one or more adult children living in the United States was associated with characteristics that may increase and decrease the risk for cognitive impairment. This may contribute to the non-significant relationship between migration status of adult children and likelihood for cognitive impairment for older parents living in Mexico.
Publication Date: 2-Jan-2018
Electronic Publication Date: 24-Oct-2016
Citation: Downer, Brian, González-González, Cesar, Goldman, Noreen, Pebley, Anne R, Wong, Rebeca. (2018). The effect of adult children living in the United States on the likelihood of cognitive impairment for older parents living in Mexico. Ethnicity & Health, 23 (1), 57 - 71. doi:10.1080/13557858.2016.1246430
DOI: doi:10.1080/13557858.2016.1246430
ISSN: 1355-7858
EISSN: 1465-3419
Pages: 57 - 71
Type of Material: Journal Article
Journal/Proceeding Title: Ethnicity & Health
Version: Author's manuscript



Items in OAR@Princeton are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.