A recent scientific article written by researchers of LISER and the University of Luxembourg (Javier Olivera, Francesco Andreoli, Anja Leist and Louis Chauvel) has been published in the journal Economics & Human Biology¹. This article documents the persistent effects of past educational inequalities on the differences of cognitive functioning observed today among older adults in 29 countries. Intact cognitive functioning in old age refers to attention, thinking, understanding, learning, decision-making and problem solving. At older ages, higher starting levels of cognitive functioning are even more important, as processes of cognitive aging lead to declines in cognitive functioning.

Though many studies have focused on measuring the level of cognitive functioning and its determinants, little is known regarding the inequalities in cognitive functioning in old age. However, the degree and determinants of old age cognitive inequalities may provide important information for public health and policymaking efforts. The distribution of cognitive functioning in old age may reflect undeveloped potential for cognitive functioning due to early-life educational inequalities and lack of educational opportunities. Therefore, high inequality in old age cognition may be associated with low average levels of old age cognition. Given the high costs of cognitive impairment and its importance for health expenditures, it is expected that high inequality of cognitive functioning may undermine the sustainability of healthcare.

In a broader perspective, inequality of old age cognition can be related as well to the distribution of wellbeing among old people. In fact, cognitive functioning may determine key dimensions for this population group, such as autonomy, mental health, and planning ability, among others. Educational inequalities have been shown to have long-run consequences on hampering equality of opportunity for accumulation of resources over the life course.