Societal Gender Norms and Their Influence on Late Life Cognition

This study assesses the influence of normative gender effects on cognitive outcomes of cognitively unimpaired older adults. The results help to understand how sex/gender identity operates as a structural determinant of AD outcomes and informs future research that is more inclusive of gender-diverse identities.

We analyze data from 216 adults aged 65 and older who completed survey questions from the Aging Gender Index (AGI), which pertain to often gendered experiences of American men and women, which relate to education, employment experiences, and relationship characteristics. The participants also completed cognitive testing. We conducted bivariate and multivariable analyses, which statistically adjusted for age, education, and race.

In multivariable analyses, being full time employed or partially retired rather than full time retired or part time employed is associated with lower memory and learning scores (β = -0.29 95% CI: -0.56 to -0.01). Fewer years out of the workforce to raise children was associated with higher language scores (β = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.25). While not being a veteran versus being a veteran was associated with lower language scores (β = -0.27, 95% CI: -0.51 to -0.02).

The results of this study show how workforce and other economic experiences, which tend to vary by gender, may associate with some cognitive outcomes. Research is warranted to replicate the findings and build upon this method of inquiry.