Feeling younger and identifying with older adults: Testing two routes to maintaining well-being in the face of age discrimination

Abstract Using the Stereotype Content Model as a framework for understanding ageism, our two objectives are (1) examining the predictive utility of benevolent ageism on well-being outcomes and (2) identifying conditional relationships between sex, perceived age, benevolent ageism, and well-being outcomes. In a snowball sample of 150 older adults who were 65 years old and older, we examined sex, perceived age, ageism, environmental mastery, and depression. Our benevolent ageism scale is an expanded version of the Ambivalent Ageism Scale that included additional items of accommodation created by us. Environmental mastery and depression were assessed by standard, internally valid, measures. Using regression analyses, we found that benevolent ageism predicted depression above and beyond hostile ageism. Additionally, benevolent ageism uniquely predicted environmental mastery for men, whereas hostile ageism uniquely predicted environmental mastery and depression for women. Finally, perceived age was a better predictor of well-being than chronological age. It is essential to consider how benevolent ageism relates to well-being due to the tenets of the Stereotype Content Model. Additionally, delineating the ways that sex and perceived age contribute to double jeopardy vs. crisis competence in the face of benevolence will lead to a more intricate understanding of the paths in which overaccommodative behaviors relate to well-being in older adulthood.

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Understanding the mechanisms underlying the effects of negative age stereotypes and perceived age discrimination on older adults’ well-being

Aging & Mental Health ◽

10.1080/13607863.2018.1514487 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 23 (12) ◽

pp. 1666-1673 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Manon Marquet ◽

Alison L. Chasteen ◽

Jason E. Plaks ◽

Laksmiina Balasubramaniam

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Well Being ◽

Age Discrimination ◽

Age Stereotypes ◽

Perceived Age

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Ageism in Hiring Decisions: Sense of Purpose as a Mitigating Strategy

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.3556 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 1000-1000

Author(s):

Megan Wilson ◽

Patrick Hill

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Older Adult ◽

Well Being ◽

Age Discrimination ◽

Hiring Practices ◽

Hiring Decisions ◽

Job Outcomes ◽

Potential Intervention ◽

Sense Of Purpose

Abstract Discrimination against older adults in the workplace is a pervasive issue that has important consequences for older adults, leading to lower well-being (Stokes & Moorman, 2020) and worse job outcomes (Macdonald & Levy, 2016). One area where discrimination manifests is in hiring practices, and thus research is needed to understand factors that impact willingness to hire older adults. One potential intervention target to reduce age discrimination in hiring is sense of purpose. Sense of purpose manipulations have previously been successful in increasing one’s comfort with diversity (Burrow & Hill, 2013), and thus may prove successful in combatting age discrimination in the workplace. Therefore, the current studies sought to understand whether sense of purpose was related to ageist attitudes and hiring decisions, and how a purpose manipulation might serve as a tool to combat discrimination in hiring. Across two studies (n = 594, MAge = 27.20), participants were shown the resumé of either an older adult applicant (62-years-old) or younger adult applicant (32-years-old), and were asked how hireable they would rate the applicant. The research found that the purpose manipulation did effectively increase individuals’ sense of purpose. In addition, the research found that sense of purpose was negatively related to ageist attitudes. However, the purpose manipulation was unsuccessful in reducing ageist attitudes, and had no effect on ageist discrimination in hiring. These results suggest that while sense of purpose is negatively related to ageist attitudes, manipulating purpose may not be an effective tool to reduce ageist attitudes or discrimination.

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Empathy and Coping: Older Adults’ Interpersonal Tensions and Mood throughout the Day

Gerontology ◽

10.1159/000511418 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Meng Huo ◽

Yee To Ng ◽

Kira S. Birditt ◽

Karen L. Fingerman

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Service Providers ◽

Later Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Baseline Survey ◽

Buffering Effect ◽

Daily Experiences ◽

The Face ◽

And Coping

Introduction: Scholars have proposed that empathy is a key feature of strong social ties, but less is known about the role empathy plays when tensions arise. Objective: We examined whether older adults’ empathy was associated with (a) coping strategies for interpersonal tensions, and (b) mood when there were tensions throughout the day. We also explored whether coping strategies explained the potential buffering effect of empathy on older adults’ momentary mood. Methods: Older adults (N = 302) from the Daily Experiences and Well-Being Study completed a baseline survey on empathy and coping strategies. They also completed ecological momentary assessments every 3 hours each day for 5–6 days, which included questions about interpersonal tensions and mood. This study considered tensions with close partners (e.g., family and friends) and with non-close partners (e.g., acquaintances and service providers). Results: In the face of interpersonal tensions, more empathic older adults reported using more constructive and less destructive coping strategies than less empathic older adults, regardless of their closeness to social partners. Being more empathic also buffered older adults’ mood when tensions occurred with close partners, but this buffering effect was not mediated by older adults’ general preference for coping strategies. Conclusion: This study advances our understanding of empathy and interpersonal tensions in later life, with a focus on daily experiences.

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On the Meaning of Aging and Ageism: Why Culture Matters

University of Toronto Quarterly ◽

10.3138/utq.90.2.06 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 90 (2) ◽

pp. 140-154

Author(s):

Caroline D. Bergeron ◽

Martine Lagacé

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cultural Values ◽

Well Being ◽

Age Discrimination ◽

Older Individuals ◽

Cultural Groups ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Perceptions Of Aging ◽

South Asian Indian ◽

Shed Light

Like any form of discrimination, ageism does not exist in a void; it is expressed through cultural values and social beliefs. Some studies show that ageism intersects with other discriminatory attitudes, including those based on race or culture, leading to negative outcomes. However, the way older individuals, who are members of diverse cultural groups, experience and acknowledge age-based discrimination and react to ageist stereotypes may also be culturally dependent. The purpose of this paper is to further explore perceptions of aging and ageism among cultural groups of older adults in Canada. Findings from group discussions conducted among Chinese, Arab, and South Asian Indian older adults reveal that seniors living in Canada share relatively positive perceptions of aging and maintain their physical and psychological well-being, in part, because of their family and community engagement. Participants highlighted the respect that is offered to older adults in their culture and, in most cases, were grateful for their families and the policies supporting older adults in Canada. While participants were often not familiar with the term “ageism,” they had experienced a few instances of age discrimination, especially in the workplace. Results suggest that participants’ identities as older people may prevail over identities related to culture. As Canada’s society ages and becomes more diverse, these findings shed light on how culture influences the experience of aging and ageism.

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Feasibility Trial Evaluation of a Peer Volunteering Active Aging Intervention: ACE (Active, Connected, Engaged)

The Gerontologist ◽

10.1093/geront/gnz003 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 60 (3) ◽

pp. 571-582 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Afroditi Stathi ◽

Janet Withall ◽

Janice L Thompson ◽

Mark G Davis ◽

Selena Gray ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Well Being ◽

Feasibility Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Active Ageing ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Peer Volunteers ◽

The Face ◽

Support Autonomy

Abstract Background ACE (Active, Connected, Engaged) is a theory-informed, pragmatic intervention using peer volunteering support to promote active ageing in socially disengaged, inactive older adults. This study aimed to establish ACE’s feasibility and acceptability. Methods Fifty-four older adults were recruited as either peer volunteers (activators; n = 15) or participants (ACEs; n = 39). Participants were randomized to one-to-one support from an activator (ACEs-Intervention [ACEs-I]) or a waiting-list control group (ACEs-Control [ACEs-C]). Activators supported ACEs-I to get out more and engage with local activities. Objectively measured physical activity (PA), lower limb function, and number of out of house activities were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. A mixed-methods process evaluation assessed changes in confidence to get out and about, social support, autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Results Eighty-two percent of ACEs (mean age = 73.7 years [SD 7.3]) and all activators completed assessments at both baseline and post-intervention (6 months). ACEs-I reported more out of house activities (M [SD] = 6.34 [4.15]). ACEs-I increased physical function post-intervention (M [SD] = 9.8 [2.3]). ACEs-I reported improved well-being and vitality and increased confidence to get out and about, confidence in the face of specific barriers, knowledge of local initiatives, and perceived social support post-intervention. Activators, although sufficiently active at baseline, increased their PA further. ACE was well-accepted and easy to deliver. Conclusions ACE is an acceptable and feasible intervention for helping socially disengaged older people to get out and about more, improve their confidence, and engage more with their community.

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Religion, Health and Well-Being in Later Life : Storying Our Lives in the Face of Death

NTT Journal for Theology and the Study of Religion ◽

10.5117/ntt2021.1.006.fort ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 75 (1) ◽

pp. 95-119

Author(s):

Nienke P.M. Fortuin

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Empirical Research ◽

Life Story ◽

Later Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Cultural Narratives ◽

End Of Life Decisions ◽

Counter Narratives ◽

The Face ◽

Health And Well Being

Abstract One of the mechanisms by which religion promotes health and well-being is by offering frameworks of meaning. Older adults ‘story’ later life against the background of the grand narratives offered by their worldview and cultural narratives of ageing. The dominance of age-defying narratives and narratives of decline indicates the need for counter narratives of ageing. Moreover, the premature notion that one’s life story has effectively ended is negatively associated with worldview commitment. Empirical research suggests that worldview commitment provides existential support, alleviating death anxiety and enhancing well-being and health. Religions offer meaning in the face of death, thereby influencing end-of-life decisions.

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Recalling Memories of Life’s Challenges with Purpose and Redemption: Resources to Foster Resilience?

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.3272 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 909-910

Author(s):

Shubam Sharma ◽

Joshua Perlin ◽

Susan Bluck

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Life Story ◽

Later Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Psychological Resources ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Mediation Analyses ◽

Sense Of Purpose ◽

Life Challenges ◽

The Face

Abstract Unique life challenges occur across life phases, including later life. Life story research suggests that the way challenges are narrated has consequences for multiple domains of well-being. Two factors for positively reframing challenges are one’s sense of purpose in life (Windsor et al., 2015) and redemption (McAdams et al., 2001). This study used moderated-mediation analyses to investigate whether: 1) challenge relates to psychosocial and cognitive well-being, differentially by age, and 2) narrating with greater purpose and redemption ameliorates effects of challenges on well-being, by age. Participants (N = 99 young, 88 older adults) rated self-disruption of challenging events from their lives (IV1) and reported number of recent life challenges experienced (IV2). Eudaimonic well-being (DV1) and cognitive well-being (DV2) were assessed. Purpose (M1) and redemption (M2) were reliably content-analyzed from participants’ narratives of autobiographical challenges (e.g., illness, loss of other). For Aim 1, young and older adults who experienced more challenges showed lower eudaimonic well-being but higher cognitive well-being. Perceived self-disruption was unrelated to well-being. For Aim 2, results showed that how individuals narrate (i.e., with purpose, with redemption) the challenges that have occurred in their lives mediates effects of challenge. Specifically, exhibiting a sense of purpose mediated the relation between perceived self-disruption and cognitive well-being. Redemption buffered negative effects of both self-disruption and number of challenges on eudaimonic well-being. Mediation results held regardless of age. Findings suggest purpose and redemption are two narrative mechanisms that act as psychological resources to support well-being in the face of life’s inevitable challenges.

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Talk or Walk? Gait Speed over Self-Report in Association with Cognitive Speed in Healthy Older Adults

GeroPsych ◽

10.1024/1662-9647/a000202 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 (1) ◽

pp. 41-52

Author(s):

Matthew C. Costello ◽

Shane J. Sizemore ◽

Kimberly E. O’Brien ◽

Lydia K. Manning

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Older Adult ◽

Gait Speed ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Subjective Report ◽

Healthy Older Adults ◽

Relative Value ◽

Cognitive Speed ◽

Age Range

Abstract. This study explores the relative value of both subjectively reported cognitive speed and gait speed in association with objectively derived cognitive speed. It also explores how these factors are affected by psychological and physical well-being. A group of 90 cognitively healthy older adults ( M = 73.38, SD = 8.06 years, range = 60–89 years) were tested in a three-task cognitive battery to determine objective cognitive speed as well as measures of gait speed, well-being, and subjective cognitive speed. Analyses indicated that gait speed was associated with objective cognitive speed to a greater degree than was subjective report, the latter being more closely related to well-being than to objective cognitive speed. These results were largely invariant across the 30-year age range of our older adult sample.

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Leisure Activities and the Subjective Well-Being of Older Adults in Croatia

GeroPsych ◽

10.1024/1662-9647/a000179 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

pp. 31-39 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ljiljana Kaliterna Lipovčan ◽

Tihana Brkljačić ◽

Zvjezdana Prizmić Larsen ◽

Andreja Brajša-Žganec ◽

Renata Franc

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Leisure Activities ◽

Leisure Activity ◽

Later Life ◽

Perceived Health ◽

Well Being ◽

Hierarchical Regression ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Financial Status

Abstract. Research shows that engagement in leisure activities promotes well-being among older adults. The objective of the current study was to examine the relationship between subjective well-being (flourishing) and leisure activities (total number of different activities in the previous year) in a sample of older adults in Croatia, thereby considering the variables of sex, marital status, financial status, and self-perceived health. The differences in the examined variables between the groups of older adults who reported to be engaged in new activities with those who did not were also examined. The sample of N = 169 older adults aged 60 years and above was drawn from a convenience sample of adult internet users in Croatia. Participants reported their self-perceived health and the number of leisure activities they engaged in over the previous year as well as completing the Flourishing Scale. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that older adults who were engaged in more various leisure activities, who perceived better financial status, and who were married reported higher levels of flourishing. A comparison of the two groups of older adults with and without engagement in leisure activities showed that those engaged in at least one leisure activity were more likely to be women, reported higher levels of flourishing, and perceived their own financial status as better. This study indicated that engaging in leisure activities in later life might provide beneficial effects for the well-being of older adults.

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