Stephani L. Hatch|Leon Feinstein|Bruce G. Link|Michael Wadsworth|Marcus Richards
The Continuing Benefits of Education: Adult Education and Midlife Cognitive Ability in the British 1946 Birth Cohort
Columbia University|King's College London|University of London|Columbia University|Medical Research Council|University College London|Medical Research Council|University College London
objectivesevidence shows education positively impacts cognitive abilityhowever researchers given little attention potential impact adult education cognitive ability still malleable midlifethe primary study aim examine whether continuing effects education life course midlife cognitive abilitymethodsthis study used data medical research council national survey health development also known british 1946 birth cohort multivariate regression estimate continuing effects adult education multiple measures midlife cognitive abilityresultseducational attainment completed early adulthood associated measures cognitive ability late midlifethe continued effect education apparent associations adult education higher verbal ability verbal memory verbal fluency late midlifewe found association adult education mental speed concentrationdiscussionassociations adult education midlife cognitive ability indicate wider benefits education health may important social integration wellbeing delay cognitive decline later life