scholarly journals Understanding Perceived Age-Based Judgement as a Precursor to Age-Based Stereotype Threat in Everyday Settings

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth A. Lamont ◽  
Hannah J. Swift ◽  
Lisbeth Drury
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Stereotype Threat ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
National Crisis ◽  
Perceived Age ◽  
Age Range

Test conditions eliciting negative stereotypes of aging among older adults can prompt age-based stereotype threat (ABST), which results in worse performance on cognitive and memory tests. Much of this research explores ABST as a phenomenon that impacts the performance of older adults. Little is known about the experience of ABST beyond performance settings and how it manifests in everyday contexts across different age groups. Gaps also remain in understanding the wider impacts of ABST, such as effects on task motivation and engagement. The current research addresses this by exploring the contexts in which age-based judgement, a theorized precursor to ABST, occurs across a wide age range of participants. The two studies in this paper present mixed-methods survey data for a total of 282 respondents aged 18–84 years. Study 1 presents a thematic analysis of open-ended responses to identify the stereotypes and settings that underpin perceived age-based judgement. The settings and stereotypes identified are discussed in relation to which contexts lend themselves to adverse ABST effects. Study 2 then asked respondents to rate the extent to which they experience threat-based concern within 12 contexts identified from Study 1. Results indicate differences in threat-based concerns between young, middle-aged and older adults for physical activity, driving, using public transport, using technology, in leadership and relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. The studies provide a foundation for future research to investigate (1) the motivational and behavioural consequences of threat-based concerns for younger adults’ driving and leadership, and in the context of the pandemic; (2) cues to ‘old’ age stereotypes and threat-based concerns among late middle-aged adults within the workplace; (3) the role of broad stereotypes of ‘incompetence’ and being ‘past-it’ on middle-aged and older adults’ engagement with technology and physical activity and (4) potential ABST effects resulting from stereotypes of older people as a burden and a problem in the context of a national crisis. Overall, this research extends our understanding of ABST by identifying further contexts and age groups that could be impacted by a wider range of ABST effects.

scholarly journals Barriers and Motivators of Physical Activity Participation in Middle-Aged and Older Adults—A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 929-944 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Spiteri ◽  
David Broom ◽  
Amira Hassan Bekhet ◽  
John Xerri de Caro ◽  
Bob Laventure ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Influences ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Quantitative Studies ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Middle Aged Adults ◽  
Health Promotion Interventions ◽  
Barriers And Motivators

Identifying the difference in the barriers and motivators between middle-aged and older adults could contribute toward the development of age-specific health promotion interventions. The aim of this review was to synthesize the literature on the barriers and motivators for physical activity in middle-aged (50–64 years) and older (65–70 years) adults. This review examined qualitative and quantitative studies using the theoretical domain framework as the guiding theory. The search generated 9,400 results from seven databases, and 55 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were included. The results indicate that the barriers are comparable across the two age groups, with environmental factors and resources being the most commonly identified barriers. In older adults, social influences, reinforcement, and assistance in managing change were the most identified motivators. In middle-aged adults, goal-setting, the belief that an activity will be beneficial, and social influences were identified as the most important motivators. These findings can be used by professionals to encourage engagement with and adherence to physical activity.

scholarly journals MEASUREMENT EQUIVALENCE OF THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE AFFECT SCHEDULE BETWEEN YOUNG-MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S705-S705
Author(s):  
Jeongwoo Lee ◽  
En-Jung Shon
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Measurement Equivalence ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Positive And Negative Affect ◽  
Middle Aged

Abstract A Short form of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS-SF) has been widely used to measure of affect in diverse cultural groups. Limited studies have been evaluated the measurement equivalence test of PANAS-SF in diverse age groups. This study examined whether parameters in the measurement model (two-factor model: positive and negative affect) is equivalent across the two age generations (young-middle aged: <65 years [n=1,122]; older adults : ≥65 years [n=1,817]). The sample was obtained from the 2012 Health and Retirement Study and Multiple Group Analysis was performed. The five items of determined, enthusiastic, inspired, alert, and excited reflected positive affect; and the five items of afraid, upset, scared, nervous, and distressed reflected negative affect. The configural model reported acceptable fit (X2= 904.98 [df = 64, p < .001], X 2/df =14.14, CFI =.93, GFI=.94, RMSEA=.06 [90% CI=.06 - .07]). When all factor loadings were constrained, it indicated measurement non-invariance status between young-middle aged and older adults (ΔX 2 = 56.03, Δdf = 8, p< .001, CFI=.93, ΔCFI=.004). Given findings of non-invariance on the full constrained model, the invariance test of each factor loading was performed additionally. Majority of negative items (Afraid, upset, scared, and nervous) and several positive items (determined and excited) were nonequivalent between the two groups. Variances in the measure between two age groups raise a number of issues for future research on affect assessment, suggesting cautious using of PANAS-SF in older adults.

Home-Based Physical Activity Programs for Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Summary of Empirical Research

2001 ◽  
Vol 9 (s1) ◽  
pp. S38-S58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Audie A. Atienza
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Strength Training ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Research Gaps ◽  
The Public ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Physical Activity Programs

Despite the well-documented health benefits of regular physical activity, a substantial number of middle-aged and older adults remain sedentary. As many older adults prefer to engage in physical activity on their own, rather than in a group or faci lity, home-based physical activity represents a promising modality for improving the health of the public at large. This paper reviews the empirical research on home-based physical activity programs designed for middle-aged and older adults. Results of aerobic and strength training home-based physical activity studies are summarized for both middle-aged and older community-residing adult and patient populations. Research gaps in the home-based physical activity literature are delineated, along with some of the barriers to filling those gaps. Finally, recommendations are offered for future research on and development of home-based physical activity programs.

Different dimensions of ageist attitudes among men and women: a multigenerational perspective

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 895-901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ehud Bodner ◽  
Yoav S. Bergman ◽  
Sara Cohen-Fridel
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Age And Gender Differences ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Age Range

ABSTRACTBackground: Ageism, a form of prejudice in which one relates negatively to people due to their age, exists throughout life. However, no attempt has been made to compare ageist attitudes across the life cycle, from young adulthood to old age. Consequently, the current study examined age and gender differences in ageism throughout adulthood.Methods: 955 Israeli participants (age range: 18–98 years) were divided into three age-groups: young (18–39), middle-aged (40–67), and old (68–98), and were administered the Fraboni Scale of Ageism. Age and gender differences were examined both for the three groups and for subgroups within the older adult cohort.Results: Multivariate analysis of variance revealed that middle-aged participants were significantly more ageist than younger and older groups. Across all age groups, men exhibited more avoidance and stereotypical attitudes toward older adults than women. Among the old age group, participants aged 81–98 held more ageist stereotypes and reported more avoidance of older adults than those aged 68–73. Within the older adult cohort, gender was a significant predictor for ageist attitudes among those aged 68–73 and 81–98, but not for people aged 74–80.Conclusions: Ageism demonstrates a changing pattern across the life span. While gender differences remain stable, ageist attitudes toward growing old as we age ourselves are constantly changing. In order to gain a better understanding of ageism as a general and global phenomenon, we need to consider the role of such attitudes in different stages of life.

scholarly journals The Relationships between Physical Activity and Life Satisfaction and Happiness among Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (13) ◽  
pp. 4817
Author(s):  
Hsin-Yu An ◽  
Wei Chen ◽  
Cheng-Wei Wang ◽  
Hui-Fei Yang ◽  
Wan-Ting Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Moderate Activity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Middle Aged

Physical activity has benefits on physical and psychological health. The aims of this study were to investigate (1) the relationships between physical activity and life satisfaction and happiness in young, middle-aged, and older adults while controlling for demographic characteristics, and (2) the relationships between age and life satisfaction and happiness for different physical activity levels. A total of 2345 healthy adults were recruited. Demographic characteristic, physical activity, life satisfaction, and happiness were collected. Participants were divided into young, middle-aged, and older adult groups based on age, and physical activity was categorized as high, moderate, and low. After controlling for demographic characteristics, participants with high and moderate activity levels had significantly higher life satisfaction and happiness than those with a low activity level across the total population and the three age groups. Age squared was a significant predictor of a positive curvilinear between age and life satisfaction and happiness. Physical activity was significantly related to life satisfaction and happiness in young, middle-aged, and older adults. In addition, life satisfaction and happiness increased with increasing age. The results support the promotion of physical activity.

scholarly journals The Impact of Naturalistic Age Stereotype Activation

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla M. Strickland-Hughes ◽  
Robin L. West
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Stereotype Threat ◽  
Recall Performance ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Story Recall ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
The Impact

Almost self-fulfilling, commonly held negative stereotypes about old age and memory can impair older adults’ episodic memory performance, due to age-based stereotype threat or self-stereotyping effects. Research studies demonstrating detrimental impacts of age stereotypes on memory performance are generally conducted in research laboratories or medical settings, which often underestimate memory abilities of older adults. To better understand the “real world” impact of negative age and memory stereotypes on episodic memory, the present research tested story recall performance of late middle-aged and older adults (N = 51) following a naturalistic age stereotype manipulation, wherein every day, newspaper-style materials (comics and puzzles) were either embedded with negative age and memory stereotype stimuli (stereotype group) or neutral stimuli (control group). Furthermore, all participants were tested in favorable, familiar environments. Potential moderators of the stereotype effects, e.g., metamemory beliefs, were assessed at baseline. Current memory evaluation and subjective age, as well as perceived stereotype threat and task-related anxiety, were assessed following the stereotype manipulation as potential mechanisms of the expected stereotype effects. Results suggested a contrast effect, as the stereotype group demonstrated superior story recall performance compared to the control group. Marginally significant moderation effects by age and perceived stereotype threat indicated that stereotype rejection was present for late middle-aged adults but not older adults, indicative of stereotype lift, and for individuals who reported low and average, but not high, levels of perceived stereotype threat. Additionally, a trend suggested more positive memory evaluation for those in the stereotype group who reported awareness of the stereotype stimuli than those who did not notice the stimuli. These results are consistent with other research demonstrating benefits to memory performance in adulthood based on motivational and contextual factors, such as using relevant memory materials and testing in favorable conditions. Moreover, the results of this study contribute to our understanding of individuals’ responses to different types of stereotype stimuli, and the differential impact of stereotype manipulations that are subtle versus blatant. Individuals were motivated to counteract negative stereotype effects when conditions were supportive, stereotype presentations were naturalistic, and personal beliefs were positive.

scholarly journals Does Perceived Ageism Widen the Digital Divide? And Does It Vary by Gender?

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (7) ◽  
pp. 1213-1223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eun Young Choi ◽  
Youngsun Kim ◽  
Edson Chipalo ◽  
Hee Yun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Age Discrimination ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Perceived Age ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background and Objectives Existing literature presents a widening digital divide among older adults in addition to the consideration of the potential adverse impacts of ageism on internet use among the older adult population. Our study aimed to investigate (a) whether older adults’ perceived ageism will be associated with their use of the internet and (b) whether the relationship between perceived ageism and internet use will be moderated by age groups and binary gender. Research Design and Methods Using the data from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study, regression analyses were separately performed by gender. Two measures of perceived ageism were considered: (a) self-perception of aging and (b) perceived age discrimination. Results Our findings suggested that greater exposure to ageism is generally related to less use of the internet. In addition, we found divergent patterns in the relationship between ageism and internet use by gender. For women, a lower level of internet use was predicted by more negative perceptions of aging, whereas men’s internet use was associated with the experience of age discrimination. Furthermore, interaction effects between age groups and ageism varied across gender. The negative perception of aging was more strongly associated with less internet use in older women than middle-aged women. In comparison, the perceived age discrimination predicted less internet use in middle-aged men than older men. Discussion and Implications Our findings suggest that perceived ageism is significantly associated with internet use, and its association differs by gender.

scholarly journals Opioid Literacy in an Immigrant Group in Rural Area: Use of Social Determinant of Health Framework

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 397-397
Author(s):  
Hee Yun Lee ◽  
Eun Young Choi ◽  
Jieun Song ◽  
Jamie Gajos ◽  
Yan Luo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Rural Area ◽  
Limited English Proficiency ◽  
English Proficiency ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Social Determinant ◽  
Opioid Overdose ◽  
Middle Aged

Abstract Opioid overdose risk is particularly high in immigrant communities partly due to limited English proficiency (Guarino et al., 2015). Previous studies reported that social determinants of health (SDH) have been associated with risk for opioid overdose (Dasgupta et al., 2018). The current study examines the association between SDH and literacy of opioid overdose risk among the immigrant population living in a rural area. Specifically, we examine the association in various age groups including young adults (aged 20 to 34), middle-aged (aged 35 to 49), and older adults (ages 50 to 75). Data were drawn from a sample of Korean American immigrants residing in rural Alabama (N=225). The participants administered the Brief Opioid Knowledge (BOOK) Questionnaire (Dunn et al., 2016). Multiple regression analyses were conducted for three age groups to identify predictors of opioid literacy. Overall, older adults had lower levels of opioid literacy relative to their younger counterparts. Among young adults, low English proficiency, more chronic conditions, and greater depressive symptoms were significant predictors of limited opioid literacy. For the middle-aged adults, lower levels of health literacy and more pain symptoms were associated with limited opioid literacy. Among older adults, women, those with higher English proficiency, and lower health literacy had lower levels of opioid literacy. The findings demonstrated a greater vulnerability of older immigrants to limited opioid literacy. Different predictors based on SDH of limited opioid literacy across age groups have implications for tailored health promotion strategies to reduce opioid overdose risk.

scholarly journals Older Adults and Technology Use: A Systematic Literature Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 823-823
Author(s):  
Hyung Wook Choi ◽  
Rose Ann DiMaria-Ghalili ◽  
Mat Kelly ◽  
Alexander Poole ◽  
Erjia Yan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Age Cohorts ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Nuanced Understanding ◽  
Smart Technologies ◽  
Age Range

Abstract Researchers are increasingly interested in leveraging technology to support the physical and mental well-being of older adults. We systematically reviewed previous scholars’ criteria for sampling older adult populations, focusing on age cohorts (namely adults over 65) and their use of internet and smart technologies. We iteratively developed keyword combinations that represent older adults and technology from the retrieved literature. Between 2011 and 2020, 70 systematic reviews were identified, 26 of which met our inclusion criteria for full review. Most important, not one of the 26 papers used a sample population classification more fine-grained than “65 and older.” A knowledge gap thus exists; researchers lack a nuanced understanding of differences within this extraordinarily broad age-range. Demographics that we propose to analyze empirically include not only finer measures of age (e.g., 65-70 or 71-75, as opposed to “65 and older”), but also those age groups’ attitudes toward and capacity for technology use.

scholarly journals An evaluation of the factor structure of the Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale (SAWS) and the creation of the SAWS-15 as a short measure for personal wisdom

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Trilas M. Leeman ◽  
Bob G. Knight ◽  
Erich C. Fein ◽  
Sonya Winterbotham ◽  
Jeffrey Dean Webster
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Latent Variables ◽  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Personal Wisdom ◽  
Age Range

ABSTRACT Objectives: Although wisdom is a desirable life span developmental goal, researchers have often lacked brief and reliable construct measures. We examined whether an abbreviated set of items could be empirically derived from the popular 40-item five-factor Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale (SAWS). Design: Survey data from 709 respondents were randomly split into two and analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Setting: The survey was conducted online in Australia. Participants: The total sample consisted of 709 participants (M age = 35.67 years; age range = 15–92 years) of whom 22% were male, and 78% female. Measurement: The study analyzed the 40-item SAWS. Results: Sample 1 showed the traditional five-factor structure for the 40-item SAWS did not fit the data. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on Sample 2 offered an alternative model based on a 15-item, five-factor solution with the latent variables Reminiscence/Reflection, Humor, Emotional Regulation, Experience, and Openness. This model, which replicates the factor structure of the original 40-item SAWS with a short form of 15 items, was then confirmed on Sample 1 using a CFA that produced acceptable fit and measurement invariance across age groups. Conclusions: We suggest the abbreviated SAWS-15 can be useful as a measure of individual differences in wisdom, and we highlight areas for future research.

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