Gender gap in cognitive function among korean older adults: Investigating the role of education and lifetime employment status

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine whether and how education and lifetime employment status mediate the association between gender and cognitive function among Korean older adults. METHODS: Data were drawn from the 2023 National Survey of Older Koreans, a nationally representative survey. Education was measured by years of formal education. Lifetime employment status was categorized into five groups: regular workers, irregular workers, self-employed, unpaid family workers, and those who never worked for pay. Multiple regression analyses and generalized structural equation modeling were used. RESULTS: The association between gender and cognitive function was mediated by education and lifetime employment status. Compared to men, women had lower education and were more likely to be irregular workers, unpaid family workers, or to have never worked, rather than regular workers, all of which were associated with lower cognitive function. A significant serial mediation was also detected: gender disparities in education increased women's likelihood of being irregular workers or unpaid family workers, which, in turn, was linked to lower cognitive function. After adjusting for education and lifetime employment status, the direct effect of gender was not significant, suggesting that a substantial portion of the gender gap in cognitive function operates indirectly through these mediators. DISCUSSION: The findings suggest that lower cognitive function among older women is attributable to disparities in education and lifetime employment status. Cumulative disadvantage in educational opportunities and employment experiences over the life course emerged as key contributors to the gender gap in cognitive function in later life.