Determinants and Implications of Subjective Age Across Adulthood and Old Age

2018 ◽  
pp. 86-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yannick Stephan ◽  
Angelina R. Sutin ◽  
Antonio Terracciano
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Control ◽  
Subjective Experience ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Chronological Age ◽  
Subjective Age ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Family Networks ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Personality Changes

Subjective age (how old or young individuals feel relative to their chronological age) is gaining popularity in gerontology and related disciplines because of its relation with biopsychosocial processes of aging. Evidence from Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) and other cohorts is reviewed on the predictors and outcomes of subjective age. An older subjective age is predicted by age discrimination, negative changes in one’s social and family networks, lower well-being and perceived control, poor physical conditions and more chronic health problems. Subjective age is also predictive of a range of crucial outcomes. Indeed, feeling younger is related to better physical and mental health, cognition, more favorable personality changes, lower risk of incident hospitalization, and longevity. These findings suggest that the subjective experience of age is a biopsychosocial marker of aging with promise as a predictor of crucial age-related outcomes, beyond chronological age.

On the Interactive Effects of Objective and Subjective Age on Work Outcomes for Men and Women

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 287-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin Marcus ◽  
Barbara A Fritzsche ◽  
Yin Lu Ng
Keyword(s):  
Older Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Work Outcomes ◽  
Chronological Age ◽  
Subjective Age ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Organizational Age

Abstract Based upon theory on successful aging at work and the social identity of age, we hypothesized interactive effects of sex, objective chronological age, and subjective psychological/organizational age on age-based stereotype ratings of older workers, psychological well-being including both burnout and self-esteem, and behavioral self-reports of perceived unfair age and sex discrimination. Study hypotheses were tested using a survey-based sample of N = 1,583 workers from 3 countries, including Turkey, the United States, and Malaysia, and who were employed across a variety of occupations. Potential confounds resultant of socioeconomic status (education level), and the macro environment (country) were statistically controlled. Results generally found support for theoretically expected relations between age and work outcomes. Both psychological and organizational age interacted with chronological age such that different patterns of outcomes were found for men and women. Overall, although older subjective age benefited chronologically older workers, these interactive associations were less beneficial for older women as compared to older men. Implications of study findings for theory and practice are discussed.

Subjective Age at Work: Feeling Younger or Older Than One’s Actual Age Predicts Perceived Control and Motivation at Work

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 323-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob Shane ◽  
Jeremy Hamm ◽  
Jutta Heckhausen
Keyword(s):  
Life Span ◽  
Perceived Control ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
National Study ◽  
Primary Control ◽  
Subjective Age ◽  
Curve Modeling ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Using a life-span theoretical perspective, the present study examined how subjective age relates to perceived control and motivational investment in the work domain. Data from the Midlife in the United States National Study of Health and Well-Being (MIDUS I, II, and III; 1995–2013; n = 2,395) were analyzed using parallel process growth curve modeling. Our analyses used a mediation framework and focused on how changes in subjective age relate to changes in work-specific perceived control and motivational investment over time. Results suggested that feeling progressively younger than one’s actual age predicted increased levels of perceived control over and motivational investment in one’s work situation, as mediated by domain-general perceived control capacity and selective primary control striving, respectively. Results are discussed within the motivational theory of life-span development, specifically, how subjective age operates as a secondary control strategy that enhances or diminishes motivational investment and perceived control in work during midlife.

scholarly journals Baby Boomers Who Provide Informal Care for People Living with Dementia in the Community

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 9694
Author(s):  
Christina E. Miyawaki ◽  
Erin D. Bouldin ◽  
Christopher A. Taylor ◽  
Lisa C. McGuire
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Baby Boomers ◽  
Baby Boomer ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Behavioral Risk ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Weighted Estimates

One in four Baby Boomers fills the informal caregiver role in the United States. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of Baby Boomers who are informal caregivers for people living with dementia and compare their physical and mental health status to caregivers for persons with conditions other than dementia using 2015–2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data (N = 10,602). We identified caregiving status (assisting a family member/friend with a long-term illness or disability in the past month, managing personal care, and not caring for a child/grandchild) and whether the care recipient’s major health condition was dementia. We calculated weighted estimates and used chi-square tests and log-binomial regression for comparisons of selected characteristics. Among Baby Boomer caregivers, 15.4% were caring for someone with dementia. Dementia caregivers were more likely to be female, caring for a parent/parent-in-law, and providing care longer than caregivers for persons without dementia. After adjusting for sociodemographic and caregiving characteristics, the prevalence of fair/poor health, frequent mental distress, and chronic conditions were similar across types of caregivers. Although no differences in caregiver’s physical and mental health by care recipient’s dementia status were found, we should underscore the importance of maintaining Baby Boomer caregivers’ health and well-being.

Examples of Monitoring

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ron Astor ◽  
Rami Benbenishty
Keyword(s):  
School Climate ◽  
School Connectedness ◽  
Collaborative Work ◽  
School Personnel ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Risk And Resilience ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Extensive Experience ◽  
District Administrators

This guidebook is inspired by 20 years of collaborative work to improve school climate and student well- being. Working with government leaders, district administrators, and school personnel in the United States and abroad, the authors have extensive experience in designing and implementing monitoring systems that fit local needs and in showing how results can be used to improve schools. These various monitoring models already in use can help education policymakers and administrators gain a better understanding of how these systems can empower schools and guide decisions about programs and interventions. The overarching message of this guidebook is that methods of monitoring should be well integrated into the process of leading a school, just as academic assessment is. Viewed together, both academic and nonacademic data can provide the information that school leaders need to create safer, more successful schools. The California School Climate, Health, and Learning Survey is a comprehensive set of surveys that includes the: . . . California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) California School Climate Survey for staff (CSS) California School Parent Survey (CSPS) . . . The CHKS is a youth risk and resilience survey given to students in the 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th grades. The survey gathers feedback from students on issues such as school connectedness, safety, violence and victimization, substance use, and physical and mental health. There is a core survey that covers all of those topics to some extent as well as supplemental modules that ask more detailed questions on specific topics. The CSSS is for teachers, administrators, and all other school staff (e.g., secretaries, security guards, bus drivers). It asks about multiple aspects of school climate and needs for professional development. The CSPS focuses on parent perceptions. It asks many questions that parallel those presented to students and staff. In addition, parents describe how they perceive the ways that the school engages and involves them in the school.

scholarly journals SENIOR FRIENDLY PACKAGING AND PRODUCT TESTING: FEEDBACK FROM OLDER CONSUMERS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S639-S640
Author(s):  
Lisa A Hollis-Sawyer ◽  
Alison O’Neil
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
The United States ◽  
Consumer Products ◽  
Color Contrast ◽  
Product Testing ◽  
Package Design ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract By 2050, older adults ages 65 or older will account for 83.7 million people in the U.S. population (An Aging Nation: The Older Population in the United States, 2014). It is imperative that products and technologies are designed to accommodate age-related changes that older adults are likely to experience. Given this population surge of older adults, there is a growing interest in identifying consumer products that are usable for older adults or “senior friendly.” Senior-friendly product testing (e.g., Senior Select®) focuses on the usability of various health and consumer products targeted to people with diminishment of any of the following: hearing, vision, taste, touch, smell, mobility & dexterity and /or mental acuity. A usability evaluation study was conducted in three senior living communities located in the Atlanta area. Twenty-nine participants ranged in age from 66 years old to 102 years old. Participants were shown a snack bar product and then asked to use the product themselves to perform a series of prepared tasks. After interacting with the product, participants were asked to share any comments that they had concerning the product. Issues of color contrast between the main packaging and the pull tab, easy of gripping and tearing the wrapper, the labeling of the nutrition information, and the package labeling (should refer to “adult” snack) were reported. Many respondents suggested that senior-friendly package design relates to their health and well-being. Implications toward a wide range of products for older adults of varying ability levels will be discussed.

scholarly journals INFLUENCING FACTORS OF SUBJECTIVE AGE: FINDINGS FROM THE KUSATSU LONGITUDINAL STUDY ON AGING AND HEALTH

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S695-S696
Author(s):  
Tomoko Ikeuchi ◽  
Satoshi Seino ◽  
Yu Taniguchi ◽  
Miki Narita ◽  
Takumi Abe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Influencing Factors ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Chronological Age ◽  
Social Changes ◽  
Subjective Age ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Years Of Schooling

Abstract Background: Subjective age (SA) has been found to be a biopsychosocial marker of aging, yet little is known about factors that influence SA development. This study examined factors influencing SA using longitudinal data of community-dwelling older Japanese. Methods: Data drawn from the Kusatsu Longitudinal Study were collected during annual health check-ups in 2017 and 2018 from participants (aged 65-95) who completed all the measurement items used for this analysis (N=981). SA was indexed by asking participants to specify in years how old they felt. Proportional discrepancy scores ((subjective age - chronological age)/chronological age ×100) were calculated to indicate younger or older SAs and used as a dependent variable. As influencing factors of SA, chronological age, sex, years of schooling, history of smoking, cognitive function (using MMSE scores, range 14-30 at baseline), depressive symptoms, physical function (gait speed), and social function (employment status) were examined. Analyses were performed with random-effects GLS regression models. Results: Significant partial regression coefficients were found for cognitive function (0.48%, CI: 0.18, 0.79), years of schooling (-0.42%, CI: -0.69, -0.15), depressive symptoms (0.32%, CI: 0.11, 0.53), and chronological age (-0.18%, CI: -0.30, -0.68). Implications: This study found that older age and longer years of schooling were associated with younger SA, while better cognition and depressive symptoms were linked to older SA. Better cognition being associated with older SA was inconsistent with existing studies. This may be due in part to the association of better cognition and the level of satisfaction influenced by awareness of age-related physical/social changes.

COPING WITH COVID-19: RESILIENCE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING IN THE MIDST OF A PANDEMIC

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (7) ◽  
pp. 561-570
Author(s):  
Edward D. Sturman
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Perceived Control ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Small Towns ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Upstate New York ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Introduction: As the novel coronavirus rapidly spreads around the world it will become increasingly important to understand its psychological impacts on the larger population. Few studies have been conducted in this regard, which is unsurprising considering the sudden emergence of the disease. Methods: The present study looked at mood (anxiety and depression), stress, resilience, grit, perceived control, happiness, and satisfaction with life in two samples hailing from small towns in upstate New York. These outcomes were assessed at two time points: pre-coronavirus (November/December 2019) and peak-coronavirus (mid-April 2020). Results: Contrary to expectations, the results indicated no significant differences on any of the variables between the pre-coronavirus sample and the peak-coronavirus sample. Discussion: The results suggested that people, at least in this region of the United States and more broadly in smaller towns, may be psychologically coping with the pandemic to a better degree than might be expected. This finding may be useful to policy makers and health care workers.

scholarly journals Differences in subjective age by filial caregiving status among US adults in mid and later life

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 808-808
Author(s):  
Hyojin Choi ◽  
Kristin Litzelman
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Adult Child ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Chronological Age ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Subjective Age ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Subjective Aging

Abstract Subjective age is an important indicator of age identity and is associated with both psychological and physical well-being. Previous studies have revealed that older adults who feel younger than their chronological age show better health status, better life satisfaction, and less risk of mortality. Considerable evidence shows that stress contributes to feeling older than one’s chronological age. Given the fact that taking a caregiving role involves stress, it is expected that caregiving might accelerate subjective aging. This study examined the association between the stressor of caregiving and subjective age in mid and later life. Data were drawn from the Health and Retirement Study in 2014 and 2016. Participants aged 50 years and over (n=1,087) were identified according to adult-child caregiver status at across the two waves: those who provided care consecutively (long-term caregivers), those who became caregivers in 2016 (new caregivers), those who were no longer providing care in 2016 (recent caregivers), or those who did not report providing care in both 2014 and 2016 (non-caregivers). Linear regression analysis showed that new caregivers reported feeling older than their chronological age compared to non-caregivers. However, long-term or recent caregivers did not show significant differences in subjective age compared to non-caregivers. The finding is consistent with the stress process theory and adaptation hypothesis. Although the onset of caregiving stress may accelerate subjective aging, this deleterious effect may decrease over time due to family caregivers’ adaptability. Future research will examine the role of support, resilience and mastery in this pathway.

scholarly journals AGE-RELATED ATTRIBUTIONS OF CHANGE: DETERMINANTS AND CONSEQUENCES

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S385-S385
Author(s):  
Klaus Rothermund ◽  
Clara de Paula Couto
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Subjective Experience ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Age Stereotypes ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Future Project

Abstract Diehl and colleagues recently introduced the concept of “Awareness of Age-related Change” (AARC; Diehl & Wahl, 2010), emphasizing the need to investigate the subjective experience of one’s own aging. In the Aging-as-Future project (n=1,300 participants, age range 35-85), we separately assessed the experience of changes and attributions of these changes to age. Attributions of changes were driven by a correspondence between the direction of change (gain vs. loss) and negative vs. positive age stereotypes. Importantly, our data also support the assumption that changes interact with age-related attributions in predicting life satisfaction. Specifically, age-related attributions were shown to exacerbate negative effects of losses on well-being.

548 Predicting Perceived Functional Limitation in Midlife and Older Adulthood: The Role of Sleep and Perceived Control

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A216-A216
Author(s):  
Claire Williams ◽  
Sarah Ghose ◽  
Morgan Reid ◽  
Sahar Sabet ◽  
Ashley MacPherson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Perceived Control ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Functional Limitation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Control Beliefs ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Subjective Sleep Quality

Abstract Introduction Functional limitations become increasingly common and debilitating as individuals age, potentially impacting several facets of well-being. As such, it is important to understand malleable factors that may potentially impact functional limitation outcomes. Both sleep and perceived control have been linked to the development of functional limitation. The current study sought to clarify the unique contributions of both sleep quality and perceived control to functional limitation status in middle-aged and older adults. Methods Data from the second wave of the Midlife in the United States study were used for the current study. Participants included 527 participants (59.9% female, Mage=59.83 years, SD=9.75 years) who completed measures of functional limitation levels (Functional Status Questionnaire), subjective sleep quality (Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index), and perceived control (MIDI Sense of Control Scales). A hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to examine sleep quality and perceived control as predictors in a unique model for predicting functional limitation. Demographic variables of age, gender, and race were used as covariates in study analyses. Results The overall model predicted 19.0% of the variance in functional limitation levels. Sleep quality was significantly associated with self-reported functional limitation (β=-.27, p<.001) over and above perceived control (β=.20, p<.001). Specifically, findings indicate that worse sleep quality is associated with increased functional limitation, while higher levels of perceived control are associated with lower levels of functional limitation. Conclusion Though perceived control is known to be associated with functional limitation status, the present study suggests a unique effect of sleep quality on functional limitation even after accounting for perceived control. Due to the potential for negative effects of functional limitation in middle-aged to older adults, it is important to identify and target constructs for research and intervention related to the development of these limitations. Care models for individuals who report experiencing functional limitations may benefit from targeting sleep health and control beliefs in intervention and assessment. Support (if any):

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