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Childhood experiences and frailty trajectory among middle-aged and older adults in China

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  • Yuqi Yan

    (Renmin University of China)

  • Liqing Cai

    (Renmin University of China)

  • Nan Lu

    (Renmin University of China)

Abstract

This study examined the associations between childhood experiences and frailty trajectory among middle-aged and older Chinese adults. Data were derived from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. We used data from all four waves (i.e., 2011, 2013, 2015, 2018) and the life history survey in 2014. Data for 10,963 respondents were included. Latent growth curve models were conducted to examine the proposed model. The results show that adverse childhood experiences, self-rated childhood socioeconomic status, and the objective indicators of childhood health and health care were associated with both the baseline level and change rate of frailty. The educational attainment of fathers and perceived childhood health and healthcare conditions were associated with baseline frailty only. Our findings highlight the crucial role of childhood antecedents in the progression of frailty in later life. We further found strong evidence that childhood is an essential life stage for human development. Future social policies and interventions should use childhood experiences as a screening tool and promote child protection, health education, and life course interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuqi Yan & Liqing Cai & Nan Lu, 2022. "Childhood experiences and frailty trajectory among middle-aged and older adults in China," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 19(4), pages 1601-1615, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:eujoag:v:19:y:2022:i:4:d:10.1007_s10433-022-00746-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10433-022-00746-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pan, Yao, 2020. "Late-life cognition: Do childhood conditions play any role?," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 63(C).
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    3. Bo Hu, 2021. "Childhood adversity and healthy ageing: a study of the Chinese older population," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 18(4), pages 523-535, December.
    4. Lei Yang & Zhenbo Wang, 2020. "Early-Life Conditions and Cognitive Function in Middle-and Old-Aged Chinese Adults: A Longitudinal Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-13, May.
    5. Qing Wang & Jay J. Shen, 2016. "Childhood Health Status and Adulthood Cardiovascular Disease Morbidity in Rural China: Are They Related?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-10, June.
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