A Systematic Analysis of Early Life Exposure to the Chinese Famine (1959–1961) and the Health of Older Adults — China, 2008–2023

   A new meta-analysis examines how the catastrophic events from 1959 to 1961 have left a significant mark on the health of adults now in their golden years. This study, backed by the U.S. National Institute on Aging, delves into the legacy of early life exposure to famine and the implications for our aging population. The research analyzes data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, illustrating the clear correlation between health before age 16 and the likelihood of reporting excellent health after 60. This study is crucial for public health officials and policymakers as it underscores the need for a comprehensive life-course approach to health that factors in pre-natal and childhood environments. For an inside look at how early life adversity, including exposure to famine and socioeconomic conditions, mold long-term health outcomes, and how strategic interventions can promote healthy aging, get access to this insightful report.

   For more information: https://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/doi/10.46234/ccdcw2024.041

The Role of Childhood Circumstances in Healthy Aging Inequalities Among Older Adults — China, 2011–2020

   A comprehensive study utilizing the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) data from 2011 to 2020 has revealed increasing inequality in healthy aging (HA) among older adults in China, emphasizing the critical impact of childhood circumstances on HA outcomes. The research developed a composite HA index and analyzed data from 23,409 participants, revealing that factors like household socioeconomic status during childhood and regional/urban-rural disparities at birth are significant drivers of inequality of opportunity in HA. Interestingly, the influence of early-life access to healthcare and parental health behaviors was found to decrease among individuals with better HA, highlighting the variegated impact of these factors across the HA spectrum. The study underscores the significant role of early-life conditions in determining HA and suggests that policies aimed at improving childhood nutrition and health, particularly within disadvantaged families, could be crucial in reducing HA disparities. The findings point to the necessity of addressing both socioeconomic and geographical disparities to enhance healthcare equity and support healthy aging across the population.

   For more information: https://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/doi/10.46234/ccdcw2024.042

Applying Machine Learning Approach to Explore Childhood Circumstances and Self-Rated Health in Old Age — China and the US, 2020–2021

   Recent research utilizing machine learning to examine the impact of childhood circumstances on health inequality in older adults in China and the US has unveiled significant findings. Leveraging data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), the study identified a number of key childhood circumstances that play a crucial role in health inequality in later life, such as socioeconomic status, parental education, and environmental conditions. Notably, the study highlighted the concept of inequality of opportunity (IOP) in health attributable to these childhood circumstances. By employing conditional inference trees and forests, the research also aimed to address methodological challenges and biases inherent in traditional analysis and methods, revealing that childhood health, family financial status, and geographical birthplace are key predictors of health in old age. The findings underscore the importance of early-life interventions in reducing health disparities and suggest that preventive measures could significantly improve the quality of life and reduce the economic burden of chronic diseases. This study, which compares the conventional parametric method with advanced machine learning techniques, not only contributes to a better understanding of the origins of health inequality but also offers evidence-based insights for policymaking aimed at promoting health equity in aging populations.

   For more information: https://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/doi/10.46234/ccdcw2024.043

Influencing Factors of Healthy Aging Risk Assessed Using Biomarkers: A Life Course Perspective

   This literature review delves into the biomarkers-based assessment of healthy aging risks from a life course perspective, spanning childhood through adulthood. By analyzing 41 selected studies, the review underscores the significance of socioeconomic status (SES), mental health, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), educational level, and lifestyle as pivotal factors influencing healthy aging. Early life exposures, such as low SES and adversity, are linked to increased inflammation and insulin resistance, marking a heightened risk for premature aging and chronic diseases. The study further highlights the importance of education and healthy lifestyle in adulthood for mitigating aging risks. Importantly, this review proposes that the factors affecting healthy aging are not isolated to specific life stages but have a cumulative and/or interactive effect throughout the lifespan. The findings advocate for a life course approach to health management, emphasizing early interventions and tailored strategies across different life stages to effectively combat aging risks. This work sets a foundational framework for future research, aiming to develop practical and generally applicable strategies to promote healthy aging. It underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted influences on aging from a life course perspective.

   For more information: https://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/doi/10.46234/ccdcw2024.044