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On the origin of cognition: How childhood conditions shape cognitive function in old age

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  • Cai, Shu
  • Li, Wei

Abstract

This paper examines the long-term relationship between early childhood conditions and cognitive ageing. Using unique data from a longitudinal survey of Chinese older people, we find that people with adverse childhood conditions not only have lower cognitive ability, but also exhibit faster cognitive deterioration at older ages. The results also indicate that the educational attainment is one of the most important channels mediating the associations. Further analyses suggest that females suffer more from the adverse childhood conditions than males, and the relationship is more pronounced for the fluid intelligence than the crystallized intelligence.

Suggested Citation

  • Cai, Shu & Li, Wei, 2024. "On the origin of cognition: How childhood conditions shape cognitive function in old age," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:chieco:v:83:y:2024:i:c:s1043951x23001645
    DOI: 10.1016/j.chieco.2023.102079
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Cognition; Early childhood condition; Education; Ageing;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J14 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of the Elderly; Economics of the Handicapped; Non-Labor Market Discrimination
    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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