Linguistic Adaptation and Cognitive Function in Older Chinese and Korean Immigrants in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Study

Overview

Journal J Aging Health

Publisher Sage Publications

Specialty Geriatrics

Date 2022 Apr 7

PMID 35387521

Authors

Yuri Jang

Eun Young Choi

Bei Wu

XinQi Dong

Miyong T Kim

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the cross-sectional association of linguistic adaptation with cognitive function, as well as its interactions with sociodemographic and health profiles in older Chinese and Korean immigrants in the U.S.

Methods: Using harmonized data ( = 5063) from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly (PINE) and the Study of Older Korean Americans (SOKA), we examined between- and within-group differences in the role of linguistic adaptation (English use in older Chinese Americans and English proficiency in older Korean Americans) in cognitive function.

Results: The positive association between linguistic adaptation and cognitive function was common in both groups. We also found that the relationship was pronounced among subgroups with the underlying linguistic and cognitive vulnerabilities (i.e., the very old, women, those with low education, and newly immigrated individuals).

Discussion: Findings show the importance of linguistic adaptation in older immigrants' cognitive health and suggest a need for targeted interventions for high-risk groups.

Citing Articles

Examining sociocultural factors in widowhood and cognitive function among older Chinese immigrants: findings from the PINE study.

Lee Y, Jiang Y Aging Ment Health. 2023; 27(11):2144-2152.

PMID: 37116185 PMC: 10592049. DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2205350.

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