scholarly journals Feeling Young and in Control: Daily Control Beliefs Are Associated With Younger Subjective Ages

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (5) ◽  
pp. e13-e17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer A Bellingtier ◽  
Shevaun D Neupert
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Control Beliefs ◽  
Subjective Age ◽  
Daily Stressors ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Daily Diary Study ◽  
Daily Variations ◽  
Average Control

Abstract Objectives Daily variations in control beliefs are associated with developmental outcomes. We predicted that on days when older adults feel more in control than their personal average, they would also report feeling younger, and explored the relationship in younger adults. Method A total of 116 older and 107 younger adults completed a 9-day daily diary study. On Day 1 participants reported on demographic variables. On Days 2–9, participants reported their daily subjective age, daily control beliefs, daily stressors, and daily physical health symptoms. All measures were completed online via Qualtrics. Results were analyzed using multilevel models. Results Controlling for age, gender, education, daily stressors, daily physical health, and average control, there was a significant main effect of daily control beliefs on daily subjective age. Older adults felt significantly younger on days with a greater sense of control than usual, but this effect was absent in younger adults. For younger adults, average exposure to daily stressors and daily fluctuations in physical health were better predictors of daily subjective age. Discussion These findings suggest that higher daily control is associated with younger subjective ages in older adults, whereas other factors may play a more central role in the daily variations of younger adults’ subjective ages.

scholarly journals Awareness of Aging Mediates the Relationship Between Health and Control Beliefs: A Micro-Longitudinal Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 448-448
Author(s):  
Shenghao Zhang ◽  
Shevaun Neupert
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Control Beliefs ◽  
Subjective Age ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Daily Diary Study ◽  
Age Related ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Specific Control

Abstract Objective: Control beliefs are bidirectionally related to physical and cognitive health, but it is unclear how health influences control beliefs. Health-related experiences (physical symptoms and memory failures) on a particular day can make older adults more aware of their aging, and may subsequently lead to lower control beliefs. We propose that awareness of aging constructs (subjective age and awareness of age-related change [AARC]) could function as mediating mechanisms between health and control beliefs, and examine this relationship from both between- and within-person perspectives separately for domain-general and domain-specific control beliefs. Methods: Older adults (n=116) ranging in age from 60 to 90 (M=64.71) completed a nine-day daily diary study online, resulting in 743 total days. Participants reported their physical symptoms, memory failures, felt age, daily AARC gain and loss experiences, and control beliefs on Days 2-9. Results: Multilevel mediation results showed that between-person AARC losses mediated the relationship between physical symptoms and both domain-general and domain-specific control over physical symptoms. Between-person AARC losses also mediated the relationship between memory failures and both domain-general and domain-specific control over memory. AARC gains and subjective age did not mediate the relationship between health and control beliefs. Discussion: Our findings suggest that between-person differences in AARC losses function as underlying mechanisms linking health and control beliefs. Efforts to reduce AARC losses may lessen the negative impact of health problems on control beliefs for older adults.

scholarly journals Subjective Age and Emotion Covariation: Findings From Two Daily Experience Studies

2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (5) ◽  
pp. 991-1000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amit Shrira ◽  
Dikla Segel-Karpas ◽  
Ehud Bodner ◽  
Yuval Palgi
Keyword(s):  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Emotional Experience ◽  
Chronological Age ◽  
Diary Study ◽  
Subjective Age ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Daily Experience ◽  
Daily Diary Study ◽  
Emotional Complexity ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Objectives This article focuses on an aspect of emotional complexity as seen in the covariation between positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA). Lifespan theories predict distinctive patterns of change in emotion covariation with chronological age. Nevertheless, research shows mixed evidence with most studies failing to find a significant connection between chronological age and emotion covariation. We propose to look beyond chronological age and assess the relationship between subjective age and emotion covariation. Subjective age refers to how old one perceives oneself to be, and therefore may be more pertinent to one’s emotional experience than chronological age. We further explored whether the relationship between subjective age and emotion covariation is modified by chronological age. Method We used data from 2 daily diary study samples (N = 188, mean age = 57.84, range = 29–100, and N = 334, mean age = 58.15, range = 30–90). Results Multilevel models showed that individuals who perceived themselves as older showed stronger inverse PA–NA relationship, reflecting lower emotional complexity. Chronological age (net of subjective age) and emotion covariation were unrelated in both samples. Moreover, in Study 2 there was a 3-way interaction between PA, subjective age and chronological age, suggesting that subjective age is more strongly related to emotion covariation among older adults than among younger adults. Discussion The relationship between subjective age and emotion covariation is discussed in light of lifespan theories.

scholarly journals The effects of social comparisons on subjective age and self-rated health

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Maayan Sayag ◽  
Gitit Kavé
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Peer Group ◽  
Social Comparisons ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Subjective Age ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Older adults consistently report young subjective age and provide high ratings of their subjective health. The current research examined which social comparisons older adults make when they assess their subjective age and health, as well as the effects of experimentally manipulated social comparisons on these assessments. In Study 1, 146 participants (aged 60 and over) reported to whom they compared themselves when assessing their subjective age or health. In Study 2, 100 participants (aged 60 and over) reported their subjective age and health after receiving feedback that compared them to younger adults or to their peers. Study 1 shows that participants compared themselves primarily to their peer group. Yet, individuals who selected a younger comparison group when assessing subjective age reported a younger subjective age, better self-rated health and more positive expectations regarding ageing relative to those who selected their peers as a comparison group. No equivalent differences emerged in any of the measures when participants were divided by their selection of comparison group after providing their self-rated health ratings. In Study 2, feedback that emphasised the performance of younger people led to reports of younger subjective age relative to feedback that emphasised peer performance, with no equivalent difference for self-rated health. These findings help explain why older adults feel younger and healthier than they actually are. We suggest that older adults use social comparisons as a strategy that protects them from the negative effects of ageing on self-perception.

scholarly journals A Tale of Two Emotions: The Diverging Salience and Health Consequences of Calmness and Excitement in Old Age

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 626-627
Author(s):  
Jeremy Hamm ◽  
Carsten Wrosch ◽  
Meaghan Barlow ◽  
Ute Kunzmann
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Perceived Control ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Growth Models ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Health Consequences ◽  
Younger Adults

Abstract Using two studies, we examined the late life prevalence and health consequences of discrete positive emotions posited to motivate rest and recovery (calmness) or pursuit of novelty and stimulation (excitement). Study 1 assessed the salience of these discrete emotions in older adults (n=73, Mage=73) relative to younger adults (n=73, Mage=23) over a one-week period. Multilevel models showed that older (vs. younger) adults reported higher calmness and lower excitement. Study 2 examined the longitudinal health consequences of calmness and excitement in old age (n=336, Mage=75), as moderated by perceived control. Multilevel growth models showed that calmness, but not excitement, buffered against 10-year declines in psychological well-being (perceived stress, depressive symptoms) and physical health (physical symptoms, chronic conditions) for older adults with low perceived control. Results suggest that positive emotions with disparate motivational functions become more (calmness) or less (excitement) salient and have diverging implications for health in old age.

scholarly journals Associations Between Subjective Age, Contact With Older Adults, and Age Stereotypes Among Younger Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 324-324
Author(s):  
Maria Kurth ◽  
Robert Intrieri
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Subjective Age ◽  
Point Scale ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Age Stereotypes ◽  
Contact Frequency ◽  
Physical And Psychological Health

Abstract Subjective aging (SA) has generally focused on middle-age and older adults in relation to physical and psychological health for the last 70 years (see Barak & Stern, 1986). Kornadt et al. (2019) recently called for more research examining: co-development of age stereotypes and SA, and this association across the lifespan. Literature examining SA and age stereotypes among younger adults is limited and suggests that age stereotypes are not directly associated with SA (Packer & Chasteen, 2006). Increased contact with older adults, however, is associated with less ageist attitudes (Bousfield & Hutchinson, 2010). This study examined SA and the associations between contact frequency and ageism. The sample consisted of 467 undergraduate students (Mage = 21.48, SDage = 2.63). Subjective age was assessed by asking How old do you feel compared with others your age?, and was scored on a 5-point scale from younger all the time (5) to older all the time (1). Ageism was assessed with the Aging Semantic Differential (ASD), which contains four factors. Results showed significant effects across felt age for contact frequency (F(4, 406) = 3.841, p = .004). Results for the ASD factors were mixed with Autonomy and Integrity showing significant effects for SA (F(4, 405) = 2.763, p = .027; F(4, 405) = 2.773, p = .027 respectively). Instrumentality and Acceptance were nonsignificant. Results suggested feeling older all the time is related to more contact, but more negative attitudes- this increased contact might providing priming for more ageist attitudes (Eibach et al., 2010).

scholarly journals Cohort Differences in Psychosocial Function over 20 Years: Current Older Adults Feel Less Lonely and Less Dependent on External Circumstances

Gerontology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 354-361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gizem Hülür ◽  
Johanna Drewelies ◽  
Peter Eibich ◽  
Sandra Düzel ◽  
Ilja Demuth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
West Germany ◽  
Individual Development ◽  
Control Beliefs ◽  
External Control ◽  
Subjective Age ◽  
Psychosocial Function ◽  
Cohort Differences ◽  
Aging Study

Background: Lifespan psychological and life course sociological perspectives indicate that individual development is shaped by social and historical circumstances. Increases in fluid cognitive performance over the last century are well documented and researchers have begun examining historical trends in personality and subjective well-being in old age. Relatively less is known about secular changes in other key components of psychosocial function among older adults. Objective: In the present study, we examined cohort differences in key components of psychosocial function, including subjective age, control beliefs, and perceived social integration, as indicated by loneliness and availability of very close others. Methods: We compared data obtained 20 years apart in the Berlin Aging Study (in 1990-1993) and the Berlin Aging Study II (in 2013-2014) and identified case-matched cohort groups based on age, gender, cohort-normed education, and marital or partner status (n = 153 in each cohort, mean age = 75 years). In follow-up analyses, we controlled for having lived in former East versus West Germany, physical diseases, cohort-normed household income, cognitive performance, and the presence of a religious affiliation. Results: Consistently across analyses, we found that, relative to the earlier-born BASE cohort (year of birth: mean = 1916; SD = 3.38 years; range = 1901-1922), participants in the BASE-II sample (year of birth: mean = 1939; SD = 3.22 years; range = 1925-1949) reported lower levels of external control beliefs (d = -1.01) and loneliness (d = -0.63). Cohorts did not differ in subjective age, availability of very close others, and internal control beliefs. Conclusion: Taken together, our findings suggest that some aspects of psychosocial function of older adults have improved across the two recent decades. We discuss the possible role of sociocultural factors that might have led to the observed set of cohort differences.

scholarly journals Vulnerability and Resilience Among Older Adults During the COVID Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 130-130
Author(s):  
Carolyn Aldwin
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Vietnam Veterans ◽  
Community Resources ◽  
Combat Experience ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Meaning In Work ◽  
Physical Health Problems ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic is particularly challenging for many older adults. They are strongly encouraged to practice social distancing and sheltering in place to decrease morbidity and mortality risks. However, social isolation and loneliness increase the risk of mental and physical health problems. Nonetheless, there are indications that older adults may be more resilient than originally thought. Park et al. present longitudinal findings that younger adults fared worse than middle-aged or older ones, reporting greater distress and less social support, mindfulness, and emotion regulation skills. For older participants, acceptance of negative emotions and social support predicted lower distress. Choun et al. also present longitudinal data, showing that depressive symptoms decreased among older adults during the lockdown phase of the pandemic, but reflected changes in loneliness and physical health symptoms. Stellman et al. found that moderate levels of combat experience were helpful for some older Vietnam veterans coping with the pandemic, although a few found that it made coping more difficult. Turner et al. found that positive, non-familial intergenerational contacts were associated with a higher number of positive pandemic-related changes, such as finding new hobbies and meaning in work. Finally, Aldwin et al. present a social ecological approach to vulnerability and resilience. Using qualitative data, they found that stressors and resources were reported at personal, interpersonal and societal levels. Further, older adults both took comfort from and contributed to community resources during this pandemic. In summary, this symposium identified factors that contribute to older adults’ resilience during this pandemic.

Through Him and With Him? A Longitudinal Study of How God-Mediated Control Beliefs Shape the Relationship between Divine Forgiveness and Physical Health in Later Life

2021 ◽  
pp. 089826432199656
Author(s):  
Laura Upenieks
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Later Life ◽  
The United States ◽  
Control Beliefs ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Religion And Health ◽  
Aging And Health ◽  
Divine Forgiveness ◽  
The Relationship

Objectives: While there has been a recent surge in research on forgiveness and health, much less is known about the relationship between divine forgiveness and health. Methods: Using longitudinal data from the 2001–2004 Religion, Aging, and Health Survey from the United States, the current study assesses how changes in beliefs in God-mediated control, a perceived collaborative relationship with a divine power, affect the association between divine forgiveness and physical health among Christian older adults. Results: Older adults with consistently high beliefs in God-mediated control over the study period received stronger health benefits of divine forgiveness. Forgiveness by God also had a stronger relationship with health compared to forgiveness of self and others. Discussion: The findings underscore the importance of subjective beliefs about God. Future research directions are proposed to advance the study of religion and health in later life by conceiving of a more salient role for divine forgiveness.

scholarly journals Joint Goals in Older Couples: Associations With Goal Progress, Allostatic Load, and Relationship Satisfaction

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadine Ungar ◽  
Victoria I. Michalowski ◽  
Stella Baehring ◽  
Theresa Pauly ◽  
Denis Gerstorf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Allostatic Load ◽  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Older Couples ◽  
Goal Progress

Older adults often have long-term relationships, and many of their goals are intertwined with their respective partners. Joint goals can help or hinder goal progress. Little is known about how accurately older adults assess if a goal is joint, the role of over-reporting in these perceptions, and how joint goals and over-reporting may relate to older partners' relationship satisfaction and physical health (operationally defined as allostatic load). Two-hundred-thirty-six older adults from 118 couples (50% female; Mage = 71 years) listed their three most important goals and whether they thought of them as goals they had in common with and wanted to achieve together with their partner (self-reported joint goals). Two independent raters classified goals as “joint” if both partners independently listed open-ended goals of the same content. Goal progress and relationship satisfaction were assessed 1 week later. Allostatic load was calculated using nine different biomarkers. Results show that 85% self-reported at least one goal as joint. Over-reporting– the perception that a goal was joint when in fact it was not mentioned among the three most salient goals of the spouse – occurred in one-third of all goals. Multilevel models indicate that the number of externally-rated joint goals was related to greater goal progress and lower allostatic load, but only for adults with little over-reporting. More joint goals and higher over-reporting were each linked with more relationship satisfaction. In conclusion, joint goals are associated with goal progress, relationship satisfaction, and health, but the association is dependent on the domain of functioning.

scholarly journals When and Why Does Subjective Age Boost Competence and Proactive Work Behavior?

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 620-620
Author(s):  
David Weiss
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Life Span ◽  
Work Behavior ◽  
Proactive Behavior ◽  
Subjective Age ◽  
Speaking Up ◽  
Age Bias ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Age Stereotypes

Abstract Subjective age bias suggests that middle-aged and older adults feel relative younger, whereas adolescents and young adults often feel older than their chronological age. However, we still know very little about its social conditions and consequences across the life span particularly within the work domain. Across three studies (correlational, experimental, and field: Ns = 650, 16-85 years), we show that feeling older (among younger adults) and younger (among older adults) is triggered by undesirable age stereotypes concerning competence and status of young and later adulthood and desirable age stereotypes of midlife. We further demonstrate that feeling relatively older among young adults and younger among older adults increases individuals’ self-perceived competence at work and predicts proactive behavior such as speaking up. We discuss subjective age bias as socially-mediated phenomenon and how it affects behavior at work across the life span.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document