Similarly, facing challenges in adulthood can increase the likelihood of mental illness and cognitive decline later in life.
Ahn said, “Life is very complicated, very dynamic.
Ahn and his team analyzed data from more than 3,500 individuals over a 24-year period. They used longitudinal data to investigate persistent traumatic incidents across the life course.
Similarly, adverse events for adults included losing a spouse or child, exposure to natural disasters, conflict, witnessing substance abuse in a relationship, experiencing physical assault, family members becoming ill, relying on government assistance, and facing unemployment.
Adults who have faced adversity are more prone to cognitive decline.
This suggests that individuals with education might have better coping mechanisms, which reduces addiction to unhealthy habits such as smoking or excessive drinking.
These factors act as protective measures against the adversity highlighted in the research.
The goal of this broader focus is to enable individuals to cope effectively with life’s challenges.
