Differences in Cognitive Functioning and Mortality Transitions among Older Migrants and Non-Migrants

Liili Abuladze, Estonian Institute for Population Studies, Tallinn University
Luule Sakkeus, Estonian Insitute for Population Studies, Tallinn University

Cognitive functioning is one of the main population health challenges in ageing societies. However, cognition becomes a visible health concern once life expectancy improves beyond higher ages. Given that life expectancy and health among migrant populations has been lower than among non-migrant populations in Estonia, cognition may result in better or equivalent outcomes for migrants compared to non-migrants. Comparing the mortality and cognitive functioning development dynamically over time would give insights as to whether and how selective survival by population origin affects and explains health disparities. We use the SHARE Estonia data collected in Waves 4-9 during 2010 – 2022, double-checked with death information from the Estonian population register of the same period. We include people aged 50+ at the start of the survey in 2010, without cognitive functioning impairment at the baseline. We present prevalence rates of cognitive functioning impairment as well as attrition and mortality for both migrant and non-migrant population groups at all waves. Next, we use a person-wave format, and multinomial logistic regression models to estimate health transitions by cognition improvement, deterioration and mortality for both groups. Health transition risks are expected to differ and change over the years as survival of migrants improves.

Keywords: Migrant Populations and Refugees, Longitudinal studies , Health and Morbidity, Mortality and Longevity

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