Subjective Life Expectancy and Cognitive Functioning among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Thailand: Results of a Longitudinal National Survey in 2017-2022

Abstract

Introduction: Longitudinal studies on the association between subjective life expectancy (SLE) and cognitive functioning are scarce, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the association between SLE and cognitive functioning longitudinally.

Methods: Health, aging, and retirement in Thailand (HART) provided longitudinal national data with n = 6747 from 2017 (wave 2) to 2022 (wave 4). HART includes questions on (1) General Information; (2) Family and Support; (3) Health Status; (4) Work Status; (5) Income and Expenditure; (6) Asset and Debt; (7) Life Expectation; and (8) Exit Interview. SLE and cognitive functioning were assessed with established measures. The time-varying factors and results were evaluated using linear fixed effects regression.

Results: Increases in SLE were associated with higher cognitive functioning. Increases in age were associated with decreases in cognitive functioning, and increases in subjective economic status were associated with increased cognitive functioning, while changes in marital status, work status, physical functioning, and physical illnesses were not associated with cognitive functioning.

Conclusion: The study’s findings contribute to the literature by demonstrating, over a longitudinal period, that higher SLE was associated with higher cognitive functioning among older adults. The results of the study must be validated by additional longitudinal research using panel data techniques.