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Schmidt LI, Rupprecht FS, Gabrian M, Jansen CP, Sieverding M, Wahl HW. Feeling Younger on Active Summer Days? On the Interplay of Behavioral and Environmental Factors With Day-to-Day Variability in Subjective Age. Innov Aging 2024; 8:igae067. [PMID: 39139382 PMCID: PMC11319866 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igae067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Subjective age, that is, how old people feel in relation to their chronological age, has mostly been investigated from a macro-longitudinal, lifespan point of view and in relation to major developmental outcomes. Recent evidence also shows considerable intraindividual variations in micro-longitudinal studies as well as relations to everyday psychological correlates such as stress or affect, but findings on the interplay with physical activity or sleep as behavioral factors and environmental factors such as weather conditions are scarce. Research Design and Methods We examined data from 80 recently retired individuals aged 59-76 years (M = 67.03 years, 59% women) observed across 21 days. Daily diary-based assessments of subjective age, stress, affect, and sleep quality alongside physical activity measurement via Fitbit (steps, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) and daily hours of sunshine were collected and analyzed using multilevel modeling. Results Forty-four percent of the overall variance in subjective age was due to intraindividual variation, demonstrating considerable fluctuation. Affect explained the largest share in day-to-day fluctuations of subjective age, followed by stress and steps, whereas sunshine duration explained the largest share of variance in interindividual differences. Discussion and Implications In our daily diary design, subjective age was most strongly related to self-reported affect as a psychological correlate. We, however, also found clear associations with objective data on daily steps and weather. Hence, our study contributes to contextualizing and understanding variations in subjective age in everyday life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura I Schmidt
- Institute of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fiona S Rupprecht
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martina Gabrian
- Institute of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carl-Philipp Jansen
- Robert Bosch Hospital, Clinic for Geriatric Rehabilitation, Stuttgart, Germany
- Geriatric Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Hans-Werner Wahl
- Institute of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Network Aging Research (NAR), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Man GM, Popa RI, Man M. Blaming the young is always more accessible rather than accusing the older employees: an experimental view over age and health in organizations. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1340711. [PMID: 38993333 PMCID: PMC11238820 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1340711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The stereotype content model postulates that different groups evoke different emotions and reactions based on two dimensions: intention toward others (warmth) and competence. Methods In this study, we used an experimental design and a qualitative approach to investigate how managerial strategies are selected and motivated when a subordinate makes a work task related error but belongs to a group that is stereotypical perceived differently in terms of warmth and competence (age groups with or without a medical condition). Thus 75 employees analyzed one of the five hypothetical cases and described the managerial strategy and motivation for usage. Results Data revealed that managerial strategies incorporate more active harm elements for younger employees in contrast with vulnerable groups (older employees with unspecified medical conditions, younger or older employees with a medical condition), who benefit from more active facilitation strategies. The strategy usage motivation is also different in the case of younger employees, the control group and the vulnerable groups. Discussion The study outcomes bring additional evidence to support the stereotype content model theory and the socioemotional selectivity theory, enriching applicability on organizational practice and human resources management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela-Maria Man
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, "Lucian Blaga" University of Sibiu, Sibiu, Romania
| | - Radu-Ioan Popa
- Department of Social Work, Journalism, Public Relations and Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, "Lucian Blaga" University of Sibiu, Sibiu, Romania
| | - Mihaela Man
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, "Lucian Blaga" University of Sibiu, Sibiu, Romania
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3
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Vaartio-Rajalin H, Snellman F, Gustafsson Y, Rauhala A, Viklund E. Understanding Health, Subjective Aging, and Participation in Social Activities in Later Life: A Regional Finnish Survey. J Appl Gerontol 2024; 43:638-649. [PMID: 38037740 PMCID: PMC11055408 DOI: 10.1177/07334648231214940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
To understand health and well-being in later life, it is vital to consider the meaning of subjective aging. This study aimed to explore how perceived health, self-perceptions of aging, and participation in social activities relate to each other among older persons in the Bothnia region and Åland islands in Finland. Data were analyzed using Spearman's and polychoric correlation and multinomial logistic regression analyses. The perceived good health and the younger physical, psychological, and social dimensions of subjective age were found to be associated with each other and with participation in social activities outside one's home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Vaartio-Rajalin
- Turku University of Applied Sciences/Master School, Turku, Finland
- Faculty of Education and Welfare Studies, Department of Health Sciences, Åbo Akademi University, Vaasa, Finland
| | - Fredrik Snellman
- Department of Social Work, Faculty of Social Sciences, Umeå University, Sweden
| | - Ylva Gustafsson
- Faculty of Humanities, Department of Philosophy, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Auvo Rauhala
- Faculty of Education and Welfare Studies, Department of Health Sciences, Åbo Akademi University, Vaasa, Finland
- Finnish Centre for Client and Patient Safety, Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia, Vaasa, Finland
| | - Emilia Viklund
- Faculty of Education and Welfare Studies, Department of Health Sciences, Åbo Akademi University, Vaasa, Finland
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4
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El-Sayed MM, Hawash MM, Khedr MA, Hafez SA, Salem ESAEH, Essa SA, Sayyd SM, El-Ashry AM. Cognitive flexibility's role in shaping self-perception of aging, body appreciation, and self-efficacy among community-dwelling older women. BMC Nurs 2024; 23:220. [PMID: 38561732 PMCID: PMC10983730 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-01874-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive flexibility, the capacity to adjust to new information, affects how aging is perceived. In Egyptian culture, older women's views on aging are shaped by societal gender roles and expectations. These views influence their body image and belief in their abilities, all melded by cultural standards and values. AIM Investigate the mediating role of cognitive flexibility in the relationship between self-aging perception, body appreciation, and self-efficacy among community-dwelling older women. METHODS A correlational analytical design was used on 200 women aged 60 years or older using the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, Self-Perceptions of Aging, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Body Appreciation Scales. Structural equation modeling was used in the analysis. RESULTS The study found that cognitive flexibility is positively related to self-perception of aging and body appreciation and is also significantly related to general self-efficacy. However, no significant relationship was found between body appreciation and general self-efficacy. Additionally, the study found that cognitive flexibility partially mediates the relationship between self-perception of aging and body appreciation and fully mediates the relationship between body appreciation and self-efficacy. CONCLUSION Cognitive flexibility is vital in the relationships between self-perceptions of aging, body appreciation, and self-efficacy among older women. Therefore, nursing interventions targeting cognitive flexibility are recommended to promote positive self-aging perceptions, body appreciation, and self-efficacy in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Metwally El-Sayed
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Manal Mohammed Hawash
- Gerontological Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Abdelwahab Khedr
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Sarah Ali Hafez
- Gerontological Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - El-Saied Abd El-Hamid Salem
- Department of Fitness, Gymnastics, and Sports Shows, Faculty of Physical Education for Men, Abu Qir, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Samir Abdelnaby Essa
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Education, Taibah University, Madinah, 41477, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sameer Mohammed Sayyd
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Education, Taibah University, Madinah, 41477, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayman Mohamed El-Ashry
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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5
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Karaca M, Geraci L, Tirso R, Aube J. The Relationship Between Older Adults' Subjective Age and Perceived Effort on Cognitive Tasks. Exp Aging Res 2024; 50:248-278. [PMID: 36814141 DOI: 10.1080/0361073x.2022.2145163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although engagement in cognitively-demanding activities is beneficial for older adults, research suggests that older adults may be less motivated to engage in these types of activities because of the increased age-related costs associated with task engagement and their perceptions of the task demands. METHODS Across three studies, we investigated if older adults' subjective age predicted their perceptions of effort over the course of a working memory task. Younger and older adults reported their subjective age and then completed an increasingly difficult series of working memory trials, indicating perceived task demands and effort after each trial. RESULTS Results from all three studies showed that there was no age difference in performance or in perceptions of task difficulty, contrary to previous results. Also, there was no significant association between older adults' subjective age and perceived effort, suggesting that subjective age may not be a reliable predictor of perceptions of task demands in older adults. DISCUSSION Participant characteristics and the testing environment may play a role in determining the relationship between subjective age and perceived effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meltem Karaca
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Lisa Geraci
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Robert Tirso
- Student Affairs Planning, Assessment & Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States
| | - Jonathan Aube
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, United States
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6
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Henry JD, Coundouris SP, Nangle MR. Breaking the links between ageism and health: An integrated perspective. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 95:102212. [PMID: 38307423 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Ageism refers to prejudice, stereotypes or discrimination based on a person's actual or perceived chronological age. While ageism can affect people at all stages of the human lifespan, ageism against older adults has emerged as the most pervasive and potentially harmful. Much is now understood about how ageism can impact older people's health and wellbeing via structural, organisational, and provider level biases that threaten the provision of equitable and ethical healthcare. Negative attitudes about age and ageing also contribute to workforce shortages in aged care sectors, such as residential aged care and nursing. However, often underappreciated is how self-directed ageism, which refers to ageism turned against oneself, can also be an important determinant of health and wellbeing. Relative to external sources of ageism, negative internalised ageist beliefs are not only experienced more frequently in older adults' everyday lives, but are also more strongly linked to their health and wellbeing. Here we highlight how this understanding means that eliminating ageism requires a multifaceted approach that targets not only health care systems and aged care professionals, but older people themselves. Because normal age-related cognitive changes in how we think, perceive and reason increase the risk of older people viewing themselves through a negative and ageist lens, we provide a novel discussion of how broader insights from cognitive ageing literature must play a central role in any agenda focused on breaking the links between ageism and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie D Henry
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Sarah P Coundouris
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Matthew R Nangle
- School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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7
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Yao G, Luo Y, Wu H, Gao M, Sun J. Association between positive control in self-perceptions of aging and motoric cognitive risk syndrome among Chinese community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:211. [PMID: 37009878 PMCID: PMC10069104 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-03934-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-perceptions of aging (SPA) are important psychosocial factors that lead to a wide range of outcomes including dementia. However, the relationships between positive SPA and motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) which is a predementia syndrome are still unknown. This study aimed to reveal the associations of positive control and aging awareness of SPA with the risk of MCR and its components. METHODS A cross-sectional design was conducted among 1137 Chinese community-dwelling older adults. Positive control and aging awareness were defined by two dimensions of SPA (Positive control and Timeline chronic). MCR was determined according to definition. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the associations. RESULTS The overall prevalence of MCR was 11.5% (mean age = 71.62 ± 5.22). After adjusting for depression, anxiety, and cognitive function, positive control was associated with reduced risk of MCR (OR = 0.624, 95% CI 0.402-0.969, P = 0.036), subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) (OR = 0.687, 95% CI 0.492-0.959, P = 0.027), and gait speed (GS) (OR = 0.377, 95% CI 0.197-0.720, P = 0.003), respectively. Aging awareness was merely related to increased risk of MCR (OR = 1.386, 95% CI 1.062-1.810, P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the crucial associations of positive control and aging awareness with MCR and its components. Our results emphasize that positive belief in control and adaptive aging awareness might be promising targets for preventing MCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiying Yao
- School of Nursing, Xinxiang Medical University, 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory for Chronic Disease Basic Research and Intelligent Care, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanyan Luo
- School of Nursing, Xinxiang Medical University, 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China.
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory for Chronic Disease Basic Research and Intelligent Care, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, People's Republic of China.
| | - Huimin Wu
- School of Nursing, Xinxiang Medical University, 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
- School of Nursing, SIAS University, Xinzheng, Henan, 451150, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Gao
- School of Nursing, Xinxiang Medical University, 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory for Chronic Disease Basic Research and Intelligent Care, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjun Sun
- School of Nursing, Xinxiang Medical University, 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory for Chronic Disease Basic Research and Intelligent Care, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, People's Republic of China
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8
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Yu X, Wang Q. A study on the factors influencing old age identity among the Chinese elderly. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1027678. [PMID: 36684889 PMCID: PMC9853900 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1027678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Old age identity is the self-perception of when old age begins, reflects public age values and acceptance of aging. Not all elderly people aged 60 and above identify with their old age status. The aging society in the traditional sense may not be "aging". Therefore, redefining old age is crucial. Different from Western countries, China is a country with a long-standing culture of respect for the elderly and filial piety norms, and the influence of the cultural background on the old age identity is worthy of attention. Data and method Data were drawn from the 2014 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS). A total of 7400 participants answered questions about old age identity. Based on old age identity, we obtained two other types of indicators of perceived old age: elderly group identity and aging degree. For the continuous variable old age identity and aging degree, an OLS linear regression model was established. A binary logistic regression model was established for the binary variable elderly group identity. Result The average old age identity of Chinese people aged 60 and above is 70 years. Health status, psychological status, behavior, socioeconomic status, and some demographic characteristics significantly affect the old age identity of the Chinese elderly. Conclusion The traditional Chinese cultural background of respect for the elderly and the norms of filial piety have an impact on the old age identity of the Chinese elderly through family intergenerational support. The various forms of support provided by children to the elderly can help them achieve a positive age identity-enter old age later, raise the likelihood of identification with non-elderly groups, and reduce aging degree. The number of children of the elderly, the children's economic conditions and care support for grandchildren have negative effects. A positive old age identity can help the elderly improve their self-esteem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Yu
- Northeast Asian Research Center, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Northeast Asian Studies College, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qihui Wang
- Northeast Asian Research Center, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Northeast Asian Studies College, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Kim JS, Kim CJ, Schlenk EA. Psychometric properties of the barriers self-efficacy scale for physical activity–Korean. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2023; 43:29-36. [PMID: 37032012 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2022.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the psychometric properties of the Barriers Self-Efficacy Scale-Physical Activity for Korean-speaking adults with osteoarthritis at risk for metabolic syndrome (N = 150). Factor analysis identified three dimensions of the Korean Barriers scale, explaining 65.9 % of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the structural validity adequately fits the data. Construct validity confirmed significant associations between the amount of physical activity and psychological variables. The test-retest reliability was 0.87; the alpha was 0.90. The standardized response mean (0.497) indicated responsiveness to medium-magnitude change. The Korean Barriers scale can assess self-efficacy to engage in regular physical activity in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Suk Kim
- Department of Nursing, Hyejeon College, South Korea.
| | - Chun-Ja Kim
- College of Nursing and the Research Institute of Nursing Science, Ajou University, South Korea.
| | - Elizabeth A Schlenk
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Victoria Street Suite 350, Pittsburgh, PA 15261-0001, United States of America.
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10
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An international consensus statement on the benefits of reframing aging and mental health conditions in a culturally inclusive and respectful manner. Int Psychogeriatr 2023; 35:13-16. [PMID: 35616193 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610222000473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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11
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Heimrich KG, Prell T, Schönenberg A. What Determines That Older Adults Feel Younger Than They Are? Results From a Nationally Representative Study in Germany. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:901420. [PMID: 35836953 PMCID: PMC9274253 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.901420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is increasing evidence that subjective age is an important predictor of beneficial health outcomes besides chronological age. However, little is known about the factors associated with younger subjective age. This study aimed to identify which factors are predictive of feeling younger in old age. In this context, feeling younger was defined as an individual's perception of being younger than their current chronological age. Methods Data from 4,665 community-dwelling older people were drawn from wave 7 (2020) of the German Aging Survey (DEAS), a nationally representative study in Germany. Network, mediation, and binomial logistic regression analyses were performed to reveal the associations between feeling younger and biopsychosocial factors. Results A total of 4,039 participants reported feeling younger, while 626 did not. Older chronological age, engaging in sports more frequently, a better standard of living, a better state of health, higher satisfaction with life, more positive attitudes toward one's aging, and fewer depressive symptoms are associated with feeling younger in older people. Conclusion The present study provides novel and consistent evidence regarding the association between feeling younger and biopsychosocial factors. Further research is needed to confirm these factors and identify how they can be adapted in potential intervention studies to generate the life and health circumstances that allow older people the benefit of feeling younger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin G. Heimrich
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- *Correspondence: Konstantin G. Heimrich
| | - Tino Prell
- Department of Geriatrics, Halle University Hospital, Halle, Germany
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12
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Heikkinen S, Wilinska M. Dancing My Age: Emotions, Interactions, and Bodily Sensations. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:804888. [PMID: 35350583 PMCID: PMC8957901 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.804888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While there is a growing body of research on the social aspects of older people's dance, studies focusing on emotions are rare. In this study, we use an interactionist sociological perspective to examine the role of emotions in older social dancers' experiences in Sweden. Through qualitative interviews with 29 active or previously active dancers, we found that their experiences of emotional energy and experiences of flow override concerns of age and aging. Age, however, did become significant as the age differences at dance events could bring forth feelings of alienation associated with feeling old. In addition, cultural and gendered norms of appropriate age differences between dancing partners produced shame and pride as well as feelings of being either old or young. Moreover, certain bodily experiences were interpreted in terms of age. Overall, the study contributes to the discussions of the complexity of subjective experiences of age by highlighting its emotional aspects through social partner dancing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satu Heikkinen
- Department of Social and Psychological Studies, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Satu Heikkinen
| | - Monika Wilinska
- Department of Social Work, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
- Monika Wilinska
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13
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Schmidt LI, Schlomann A, Gerhardy T, Wahl HW. “Aging Means to Me… That I Feel Lonely More Often”? An Experimental Study on the Effects of Age Simulation Regarding Views on Aging. Front Psychol 2022; 13:806233. [PMID: 35295394 PMCID: PMC8918585 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.806233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decades, educational programs involving age simulation suits (ASS) emerged with the ambition to further the understanding of age-related loss experiences, enhance empathy and reduce negative attitudes toward older adults in healthcare settings and in younger age groups at large. However, the impact of such “instant aging” interventions on individuals’ personal views on aging have not been studied yet. The aim of the current study is to address possible effects of ASS interventions on multiple outcomes related to views on aging, i.e., aging-related cognitions (i.e., expectations regarding social losses), awareness of age-related change (AARC) and age stereotypes. Moreover, we explore effects on broader constructs with relevance to aging, i.e., perceived obsolescence, risk perceptions, as well as desired support through technology. In a within-subjects design, N = 40 participants (M = 61.4 years, SD = 6.16) went through a series of established geriatric assessments (i.e., Timed up and Go) with and without an ASS. Views on aging constructs were assessed in standardized questionnaires before and after the ASS intervention. Changes in aging-related cognitions were observed, with more negative expectations regarding social integration and continuous development after wearing the ASS. AARC and age stereotypes did not change from pre- to post-assessment, but participants reported an increased susceptibility to age-associated impairments and stronger feelings of obsolescence. Those participants who exhibited higher difficulties in geriatric assessments while wearing the suit reported higher openness to be supported by intelligent assistive devices or robots afterwards. We conclude that ASS interventions should only be combined with education on losses and gains during the aging process to prevent negative effects on individual views on aging. On the other hand, potentials regarding technology acceptance and formation of intentions to engage in prevention and health behaviors among middle-aged to young-old adults are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura I. Schmidt
- Institute of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Laura I. Schmidt,
| | - Anna Schlomann
- Institute for Educational Sciences, Heidelberg University of Education, Heidelberg, Germany
- Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Gerhardy
- Institute of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Werner Wahl
- Institute of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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14
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Rupprecht FS, Sabatini S, Diehl M, Gerstorf D, Kaspar R, Schilling OK, Wahl HW. Awareness of age-related change in the context of major life events. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:954048. [PMID: 36386972 PMCID: PMC9650375 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.954048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Although gains and losses are an integral part of human development, the experience of change and readjustment that often comes with major life events may be particularly influential for an individual's subjective aging experience and awareness of age-related change (AARC). Thus, this study focused on the role of life events in the domains of family and health for an individual's awareness of age-related gains and losses. Specifically, we differentiated between the experience of specific life events (e.g., entering a new romantic relationship; hospital stay) and the cumulative experience of multiple life events. Furthermore, we differentiated between life events experienced at an expected time in life and life events experienced relatively early or relatively late compared to established social norms. Data came from the Innovation Sample of the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP-IS) and consisted of 1,612 participants aged 16 to 93 years (M = 54.1; SD = 18.2). Life events were assessed annually and retrospectively for the last 2 years. Propensity score matching provided evidence for an association of specific family life events and a higher awareness of age-related gains, as well as specific health life events and a higher awareness of age-related losses. Results furthermore indicated that the cumulative experience of family life events was associated with a higher awareness of age-related gains. Conversely, the cumulative experience of health events was associated with higher awareness of both age-related losses and age-related gains. Moreover, it was not only life events happening at an expected age, but also those happening relatively early and particularly those happening late in life, which were associated with AARC. In summary, life events and the change they may bring seem to be reflected in individuals' awareness of age-related losses and awareness of age-related gains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona S Rupprecht
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Serena Sabatini
- Università della Svizzera Italiana, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Manfred Diehl
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Denis Gerstorf
- Institute for Psychology, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roman Kaspar
- Cologne Center for Ethics, Rights, Economics, and Social Sciences of Health, Cologne, Germany
| | - Oliver K Schilling
- Psychological Institute, Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Werner Wahl
- Psychological Institute, Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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