Research on Family Relationship and Cognitive Function among Older Hispanic Americans: Empirical Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate the associations between family relationship and cognitive function among Hispanic older population. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted with a sample size of 1,580 individuals from the Health and Retirement Study in the United States (mean age = 65.65 (SD = 9.33)). Family relationship was measured in three dimensions: structural, functional, and appraisal support. The results of linear regression analysis indicated that diverse composition of family network (β = .070, p = .009) and receiving financial support from family members (β = .060, p = .018) were associated with better cognitive function. Moderation analyses demonstrated that these associations were greater for Hispanic women than men. Current findings highlight the importance of family relationship on cognitive function among Hispanic older population and suggest that researchers and policymakers should put emphasis on the structural and functional aspects of family relationship to improve their cognitive health.