
pmid: 38725695
pmc: PMC11077334
AbstractChildhood experiences are known to shape individuals' development and can influence various aspects of life later on. Understanding the long‐term effects is crucial for informing interventions and policies aimed at promoting healthy aging. This review aimed to explore the long‐term effects of childhood experiences on older individuals. This systematic review comprised three distinct phases. Firstly, a systematic review was conducted, exploring databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the Web of Science. Out of the 2116 studies initially identified, 24 studies were selected based on the inclusion criteria. Secondly, these inclusion criteria were applied to ensure that the chosen studies specifically delved into the connection between childhood experiences and outcomes in older individuals. Finally, data extraction and synthesis techniques were employed to analyze findings, facilitating the drawing of conclusions concerning the enduring impacts of childhood experiences on the well‐being of older individuals. The review's findings revealed how negative experiences in childhood continue to affect older individuals in various ways. These early‐life events have far‐reaching consequences, profoundly impacting their physical health, making them more susceptible to chronic diseases and weakening their immune system. Additionally, they affect mental health, leading to conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Cognitive function is also affected, resulting in memory problems and cognitive decline. Furthermore, these experiences impact social relationships, affecting trust, emotional control, and social isolation in later life. This review highlighted the enduring influence of childhood circumstances on the health and well‐being of older individuals. Policymakers and health care practitioners should consider these findings when developing strategies to support healthy aging and mitigate the long‐term effects of adverse childhood experiences.
Health Effects of Precarious Employment and Unemployment, Developmental psychology, Health Professions, Social Sciences, Quantum mechanics, Term (time), childhood experiences, Psychological Resilience, Health Sciences, Psychology, Salutogenesis and Sense of Coherence in Health, early‐life, Review Articles, older individuals, Physics, RC952-954.6, health, FOS: Psychology, Geriatrics, Health, Neighborhood Effects, General Health Professions, Medicine, Impact of Social Factors on Health Outcomes, Gerontology
Health Effects of Precarious Employment and Unemployment, Developmental psychology, Health Professions, Social Sciences, Quantum mechanics, Term (time), childhood experiences, Psychological Resilience, Health Sciences, Psychology, Salutogenesis and Sense of Coherence in Health, early‐life, Review Articles, older individuals, Physics, RC952-954.6, health, FOS: Psychology, Geriatrics, Health, Neighborhood Effects, General Health Professions, Medicine, Impact of Social Factors on Health Outcomes, Gerontology
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 10 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
