The association between adverse events across the lifespan and later-life health outcomes

This thesis examines the extent to which stressful events experienced across the lifespan influences health outcomes in older individuals. It identifies that to varying degrees, stressful life events (including spousal death) are associated with an increased risk of mortality, poor cognition, and dementia in later life. Some events, such as lifetime trauma without symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, may also exert a protective effect. Gender may be an important factor in determining the extent to which adversity impacts later-life health. These findings are important in informing public health initiatives, particularly the screening of at-risk populations, such as bereaved men.