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Is College Completion Associated with Better Cognition in Later Life for People Who Are the Least, or Most, Likely to Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree?

Author

Listed:
  • XEmily A Greenfield
  • Ayse Akincigil
  • Sara M Moorman
  • Deborah Carr

Abstract

ObjectivesDrawing on insights from theorizing on cumulative dis/advantage (CDA), we aimed to advance understanding of educational attainment as a protective factor for later-life cognition by examining whether associations between obtaining a bachelor’s degree and later-life cognition differ according to individuals’ likelihood of completing college based on characteristics in adolescence. MethodsWe conducted a propensity score analysis with data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS). Measures to predict college completion were assessed prospectively in adolescence, and a global measure of later-life cognition was based on cognitive assessments at age 65.ResultsCollege completion by age 25 (vs high school only) was associated with better later-life cognition for both men and women. Among men specifically, associations were stronger for those who were less likely as adolescents to complete college. DiscussionResults indicate the utility of a CDA perspective for investigating the implications of interconnected early life risk and protective factors for later-life cognition, as well as ways in which college education can both contribute to, as well as mitigate, processes of CDA.

Suggested Citation

  • XEmily A Greenfield & Ayse Akincigil & Sara M Moorman & Deborah Carr, 2020. "Is College Completion Associated with Better Cognition in Later Life for People Who Are the Least, or Most, Likely to Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree?," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 75(6), pages 1286-1291.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:geronb:v:75:y:2020:i:6:p:1286-1291.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/geronb/gbz132
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