scholarly journals What is the Relationship between Functional Limitations, Pain, and Self-Perceptions of Aging?

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 607-608
Author(s):  
Jillian Minahan ◽  
Ashley Blasi
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Interactive Effect ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Older Adulthood ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Self-perceptions of aging (SPA) influences health and mortality during older adulthood (e.g., Kotter-Grühn et al., 2009; Sargent-Cox et al., 2012). Westerhof and Wurm (2015) found that increasing functional limitations (FL) worsened older adults’ SPA. Additional research is needed to identify other factors that influence SPA. Although pain is common among older adults and is a frequent cause of disability (e.g., Brooks et al., 2019), it has not been examined as a factor influencing SPA. Pain is often misperceived as an inevitable part of aging because of widely held negative stereotypes about aging (Thielke et al., 2012). The experience of pain may activate internalized negative stereotypes about aging, which may worsen SPA. Thus, this study investigated: 1) the relationship between chronic and recent pain, FL, and SPA, and 2) the interactive effect of FL and pain on SPA within a sample of community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older. This study included 5,126 participants from the 2014 wave of the Health and Retirement Study. Controlling for covariates, chronic pain (β = .09, p < .001) and recent pain (β = .12, p < .001) were associated with negative SPA and were stronger than FL (β = .04, p < .01). There was also a small interaction between FL and recent pain on SPA (β = -.03, p < .01) such that the negative impact of FL on SPA was stronger among individuals who reported low pain. These findings highlight the importance of pain in older adults’ evaluation of their own aging.

scholarly journals A-014 Positive, but not negative, self-perceptions of aging predict cognitive function in older adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 804-804
Author(s):  
Brown K ◽  
Mccarrey A
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Aging Process ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Neuropsychological Battery ◽  
Older Adulthood ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Multidimensional Measure ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging

Abstract Objective Self-perceptions of aging (SPA) refer to expectations and attitudes about one’s aging process and are robustly linked to physical health and longevity outcomes. How SPA correlates with cognitive function in older adulthood is less well known. Thus, the present study sought to examine how a multidimensional measure of SPA correlated with older adult’s performance on a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Method 136 community-dwelling older adults (Mage = 70.18, SDage = 5.79 years) from Southeast Idaho were administered a multidimensional measure of SPA; The Brief Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire (B-APQ). This 17-item questionnaire requires participants to rate their agreement with positive and negative statements concerning their aging process. Participants were also administered a demographics form and a comprehensive neuropsychological battery that included measures of memory, attention and executive function. Results Both positive and negative subscales of the B-APQ were correlated with various aspects of cognitive function. After controlling for age, sex and education, regression analyses revealed that positive subscales of the B-APQ predicted mental status (β = .19, p < .05), short-delay memory (β = .16, p < .05), processing speed (β = −.21, p < .05) and two measures of executive function (β = −.21, p < .01; β = .18, p < .05). The negative subscales of the B-APQ were not predictive of any cognitive domain. Conclusion This is the first study to demonstrate that independent of selected sociodemographic factors, positive, but not negative dimensions of SPA relate to a wide range of cognitive abilities in older adulthood. We discuss our results in terms of positive psychology and the potential for interventions to improve cognitive function in older adults.

Close social relationships and loneliness: the role of subjective age

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naama Spitzer ◽  
Dikla Segel-Karpas ◽  
Yuval Palgi
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Subjective Age ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Moderating Role

Abstract Loneliness is considered a major issue, often negatively influencing the quality of life of individuals of all ages, and of older adults, in particular. The aims of this study are: (1) to assess the association between close social relationships and loneliness; and (2) to examine the moderating role of subjective age in this association. Married or cohabiting community-dwelling Israelis in the second half of life (N = 360) were interviewed and reported on their close social relationships, their level of loneliness, and their subjective age. The number of close social relationships was found to have a negative relationship with loneliness. Moreover, subjective age was found to moderate the relationship between close social relationships and loneliness, such that the association was weaker for those with older subjective age. Those with older subjective age are often not able to benefit from close social relationships to alleviate loneliness as much as their younger-subjective-age counterparts. Efforts to address older adults’ loneliness should consider focusing on older adults’ perceptions of aging.

scholarly journals Limitations in Physical Activities and Loneliness: The Role of Guilt for Perceiving Oneself as a Burden

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 457-457
Author(s):  
María del Sequeros Chaparro ◽  
Isabel Cabrera ◽  
Carlos Vara-García ◽  
José Adrián Fernandes-Pires ◽  
Samara Barrera-Caballero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Gender And Age ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Loneliness is a prevalent problem associated with negative health consequences for older adults, such as greater cognitive decline. Limitations to perform physical activities have been associated with greater loneliness in older adults. This association could be moderated by maladaptive social cognition or feelings, such as guilt associated with perceiving oneself as a burden. The objective of this study was to analyze the moderating effect of guilt associated with perceiving oneself as a burden in the relationship between limitations in physical activities and loneliness. Participants were 195 community-dwelling people 60 years or older not showing explicit cognitive or functional limitations that prevent activities of daily life, but who may present limitations in some physical activities (e.g., walking a kilometer or more). A linear regression analysis was conducted for testing the interaction between limitations in physical activities and guilt for perceiving oneself as a burden in loneliness, controlling for gender and age. The interaction between limitations in physical activities and guilt for perceiving oneself as a burden was the only significant predictor of loneliness and the model explained 18.30% of the variance. Limitations in physical activities influenced loneliness when people have high levels of guilt for perceiving oneself as a burden. This study suggests that guilt for perceiving oneself as a burden may play an important role in the association between limitations in some physical activities and loneliness.

scholarly journals Positive Self-Perceptions of Aging Play a Significant Role in Predicting Physical Performance among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11151
Author(s):  
Emma Nilsson ◽  
Helena Igelström ◽  
Irene Vikman ◽  
Agneta Larsson ◽  
Mascha Pauelsen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Significant Role ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Self-perceptions of aging (SPA) is associated with various health-related outcomes, including physical performance. No previous study has investigated the potential predictive influence of SPA on physical performance among Swedish community-dwelling older adults. This was a cross-sectional study using a random sample of 153 Swedish community-dwelling individuals aged 70 and older. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed, using the subscale “Attitude Towards Own Aging” of the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale, as a measure of SPA. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was dichotomized and used as the outcome variable. SPA was a significant predictor (OR = 1.546, CI = 1.066–2.243) of physical performance, adjusted for age, cognitive function, and life-space mobility. Further analyses revealed significant sex differences, with SPA not being included in the model for the men whilst it was still a significant predictor (OR = 1.689, CI = 1.031–2.765) of physical performance in the group of women. SPA plays a significant role in predicting physical performance among Swedish community-dwelling older adults. To further clarify this relationship and its consequences, future longitudinal research should focus on the relationship between SPA, physical performance, and fall risk.

Positive, but Not Negative, Self-Perceptions of Aging Predict Cognitive Function Among Older Adults

2020 ◽  
pp. 009141502091768 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kellie E. Brown ◽  
Jeehoon Kim ◽  
Tara Stewart ◽  
Erika Fulton ◽  
Anna C. McCarrey
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Neuropsychological Battery ◽  
Short Delay ◽  
Older Adulthood ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Two Measures ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging

Self-perceptions of aging (SPA) refer to attitudes about one’s aging process and are linked to physical health and longevity. How SPA correlates with cognitive function in older adulthood is less well known. 136 older adults were administered a multifaceted SPA measure, The Brief Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire (B-APQ), in addition to a demographic form and a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Positive and negative subscales of the B-APQ were correlated with aspects of cognitive function. Regression analyses revealed that only the positive B-APQ subscales predicted mental status ( β = .19, p < .05), short-delay memory ( β = .16, p < .05), processing speed ( β = −.21, p < .05), and two measures of executive function ( β = −.21, p < .01; β = .18, p < .05). This is the first study to demonstrate that positive dimensions of SPA relate to cognitive function in older adulthood.

There Is Still Time to Be Active: Self-Perceptions of Aging, Physical Activity, and the Role of Perceived Residual Lifetime Among Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 807-815
Author(s):  
Ann-Kristin Beyer ◽  
Maja Wiest ◽  
Susanne Wurm
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Residual Lifetime ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
Health Promotion Interventions ◽  
The Relationship

Self-perceptions of aging (SPA) are a resource in later life. As aging is accompanied with perceptions of the finitude of life, it is assumed that perceived residual lifetime may play a role in the relationship between SPA and health behavior. Among older adults aged 65 years and older, the present study tested whether the relationships between gain- and loss-related SPA and two kinds of physical activity are moderated by perceived residual lifetime. Data were based on 2.367 participants over a 3-year period. Participants with less gain-related SPA were less likely to walk on a regular basis; however, a longer residual lifetime compensated for this negative effect. In addition, participants did sports more often if they not only held less loss-related SPA but also perceived a longer residual lifetime. These results emphasize the importance of perceived residual lifetime in health promotion interventions targeting physical activity in older adults.

Chronic Illnesses and Depressive Symptoms Among Older People: Functional Limitations as a Mediator and Self-Perceptions of Aging as a Moderator

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (8) ◽  
pp. 1188-1204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jina Han
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Chronic Illnesses ◽  
Older Americans ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Longitudinal Mediation ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Retirement Study

Objective: This research examined the mediation of functional limitations in the relationship between chronic illnesses and depressive symptoms among older Americans along with tests for the moderation of self-perceptions of aging. Method: Data from the Health and Retirement Study (2008, 2010, and 2012) were used. Longitudinal mediation models were tested using a sample of 3,382 Americans who responded to psychosocial questions and were over 65 years old in 2008. Results: Functional limitations mediated the linkage between chronic illnesses and depressive symptoms. Negative self-perceptions of aging exacerbated the effects of chronic illnesses on depressive symptoms. Discussion: Health care professionals should be aware of depressive symptoms in older adults reporting chronic illnesses and particularly in those reporting functional limitations. To decrease the risk of depressive symptoms caused by chronic illnesses, negative self-perceptions of aging may need to be challenged.

Exploring Lifestyle Activities to Reduce Internalized Ageism: Self-Efficacy as a Mediator Between Exercise, Volunteering, Computer Use, and Self-Perceptions of Aging

2021 ◽  
pp. 009141502110241
Author(s):  
Andrew Steward ◽  
Leslie Hasche
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Computer Use ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Direct Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
Lifestyle Activities ◽  
The Relationship

The objective of this study is to test self-efficacy as a mediator in the relationship between three lifestyle activities (exercise, volunteering, and computer use) and self-perceptions of aging (SPA) among older adults. We hypothesize that increased self-efficacy will mediate the relationship between lifestyle activities and more positive SPA. This is a cross-sectional, secondary data analysis drawn from the 2016 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; n = 4,561). Bootstrapping procedures were applied to test the significance of the indirect effects of self-efficacy in the relationship between lifestyle activities and SPA. Results indicate significant direct effects between exercise, computer use, and self-efficacy. Direct effects were observed between exercise, volunteering, computer use, and SPA. Self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between exercise, volunteering, computer use, and SPA. Implications for practitioners working with older adults are discussed. Future research should test formal intervention programs aimed at reducing internalized ageism through additional pathways.

The relationship between change in self-perceptions of aging and physical functioning in older adults.

2012 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 750-760 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerry A. Sargent-Cox ◽  
Kaarin J. Anstey ◽  
Mary A. Luszcz
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Functioning ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
The Relationship

scholarly journals Self-Perceptions of Aging, Cognitive Function, and Physical Activity

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 883-883
Author(s):  
Caitlin Connelly
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Intervention Point ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
Embodiment Theory

Abstract Stereotype embodiment theory suggests that internalized aging stereotypes will influence subsequent physical and cognitive health for older adults. This is proposed to occur through behavioral, physiological, and psychological pathways. Guided by stereotype embodiment theory, this study examined the how self-perceptions of aging are associated with cognitive function and the mediating role of physical activity as a behavioral pathway. The sample consists of 7,990 community-dwelling older adults age 65 from the Health and Retirement Study. Cross-sectional data analyses were conducted using bivariate and multivariate linear regression. Positive self-perceptions of aging were significantly associated with better cognitive function. Physical activity partially mediated the association between self-perceptions of aging and cognitive function. Findings suggest that self-perceptions of aging are important for cognitive function and physical activity may help to explain this relationship. Self-perceptions of aging may serve a possible intervention point to increase physical activity engagement and improve cognitive function.

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