The majority of studies on stressful life events focus on posttraumatic stress disorder and depression, while less is known about whether the cumulative exposure to stressful life events over the life course will deteriorate cognitive function. This study aims to investigate the association between lifetime stressful life events and cognitive function in an immigrant population. The data were drawn from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE). Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a sample of 3125 U.S. Chinese older adults in 2017–2019. Twelve types of stressful life events were assessed: physical assault, residential fires, sexual assault, miscarriage, abortion, imprisonment, being falsely accused, divorce, death of a loved one, being robbed, experiencing cancer, and being homeless. Cognitive function was measured through global cognition, episodic memory, working memory, processing speed, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Linear regression was performed. Older adults who experienced a higher number of life events were associated with higher global cognition (b = 0.11, SE = 0.01, p < 0.001), episodic memory (b = 0.14, SE = 0.02, p < 0.001), working memory (b = 0.17, SE = 0.03, p < 0.001), processing speed (b = 1.92, SE = 0.18, p < 0.001), and MMSE (b = 0.29, SE = 0.07, p < 0.001), while controlling for age, gender, income, education, medical comorbidities, ADL, and depressive symptoms. In contrast with earlier studies, we identified the positive relationships between aggregate and individual life events and cognition. Older adults who had prior experience with stressful life events could demonstrate an advantage over those without such experiences. In addition, older adults who experienced life event(s) during adulthood and old age are associated with higher cognitive function. Further studies could investigate how individuals respond to stressful life events and how the underlying resilience mechanism would promote cognitive function.

Existing studies on traumatic events focused on children, while it has been understudied in older adults. This study aims to examine prevalence, frequency, and severity of life events in older Chinese Americans. The data were drawn from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly (PINE) in 2017–2019. Twenty life events were evaluated, including natural disasters, personal traumatic events, and historical events. Among 3125 participants, the mean age was 75.33 (standard deviation (SD) = 8.22) with 61.06% female. Cultural Revolution (73.27%) has the highest prevalence. A total of 1819 (58.39%) participants reported typhoon and experienced multiple times. Falsely accused of crime was reported as the most severe event. Women were more likely to report family-related life events. Those with higher education were more likely to report personal traumatic events. This study is among the first to profile life events in older Chinese Americans. Age cohorts, gender roles, and socioeconomic status shape individuals’ exposure to life events. This study could help identify which vulnerable groups have high risks of exposure to traumatic events.

Older immigrants encountered a wide range of traumatic events across the life span, before and after immigration, in the origin and host countries. Prior studies have shown that traumatic events were associated with depression, but less is known about what are the resilience factors against depression related to traumatic events. Optimism is one of resilience assets reflecting the extent to which people hold generalized favorable expectancies for their future. This study aims to examine whether optimism could moderate the negative impact of exposure to natural disasters, traumatic personal events, and historical events on depressive symptoms. The data were drawn from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE) in 2017-2019, with a sample size of 3,125. Traumatic life events were evaluated by natural disasters (typhoon, earthquake, and tornado), personal events (e.g. death of a loved one, physical assault) and historical events (e.g. Japanese invasion of China). Depressive symptoms were measured by PHQ-9. Optimism was assessed by Revised Life Orientation test. Linear regression with interaction terms was used. Older adults with one additional exposure to natural disaster (b=0.34, SE=0.07, p <.001), personal event (b=0.32, SE=0.05, p <.001), and historical event (b=0.14, SE=0.04, p <.001) were associated with higher depressive symptoms. Optimism could buffer the negative impacts of natural disasters (b=-0.03, SE=0.01, p <.05), personal events (b=-0.05, SE=0.01, p <.001), and historical events (b=-0.02, SE=0.01, p <.01) on depressive symptoms. Psychological interventions are suggested to increase optimism of older adults with exposure to lifetime traumatic events to reduce their depressive symptoms.