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Brinkhof LP, Murre JMJ, de Wit S, Krugers HJ, Ridderinkhof KR. Changes in perceived ageism during the COVID-19 pandemic: impact on quality of life and mental well-being among Dutch adults aged 55 and older. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:2490-2498. [PMID: 37116186 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2205832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic brought ageism to the forefront of public discourse. Negative ageism incurs more negative self-perceptions of aging, which affects physical and mental functioning. Whether negative ageism as perceived and experienced by older adults has worsened as the pandemic lingered, and how such changes impact quality of life (QoL) and mental well-being (MWB), remain urgent questions.Method: In a sample of adults aged 55 or older (n = 500), we aimed to address this by administering the Perceived Ageism Questionnaire twice during the pandemic (T1: between October 2020 and May 2021; T2: on average 45 wk after T1).Results: Higher levels of perceived negative ageism were associated with lower QoL and MWB, at least partially through its unfavorable effects on self-perceptions of aging, even after controlling for ageism experiences in the preceding year (at T2, corrected for T1). Furthermore, we found that perceived negative ageism increased from T1 to T2, which had negative implications for QoL/MWB. Opposite effects were found for perceived positive ageism, although less consistently.Conclusion: These patterns reveal that ageism as perceived and experienced by adults of 55 or older became stronger and more negative throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, which had detrimental implications for individuals' QoL and MWB. These disconcerting findings emphasize the importance of combatting negative ageism in our society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte P Brinkhof
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - J M J Murre
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - S de Wit
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - H J Krugers
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - K R Ridderinkhof
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Muzyka M, Tagliafico L, Serafini G, Baiardini I, Braido F, Nencioni A, Monacelli F. Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Frailty in Older Adults over the Spectrum of Cancer: A Narrative Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:258. [PMID: 35008421 PMCID: PMC8796027 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interplay between different neuropsychiatric conditions, beyond dementia, in the presence of a diagnosis of cancer in older adults may mediate patients' fitness and cancer-related outcomes. Here, we aimed to investigate the presence of depression, sleep disturbances, anxiety, attitude, motivation, and support in older adults receiving a diagnosis of cancer and the dimension of frailty in order to understand the magnitude of the problem. METHODS This review provides an update of the state of the art based on references from searches of PubMed between 2000 and June 2021. RESULTS The evidence obtained underscored the tight association between frailty and unfavorable clinical outcomes in older adults with cancer. Given the intrinsic correlation of neuropsychiatric disorders with frailty in the realm of cancer survivorship, the evidence showed they might have a correlation with unfavorable clinical outcomes, late-life geriatric syndromes and higher degree of frailty. CONCLUSIONS The identification of common vulnerabilities among neuropsychiatric disorders, frailty, and cancer may hold promise to unmask similar shared pathways, potentially intercepting targeted new interventions over the spectrum of cancer with the delivery of better pathways of care for older adults with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariya Muzyka
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (L.T.); (G.S.); (I.B.); (F.B.); (A.N.)
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), Section of Geriatrics, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Tagliafico
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (L.T.); (G.S.); (I.B.); (F.B.); (A.N.)
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), Section of Geriatrics, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (L.T.); (G.S.); (I.B.); (F.B.); (A.N.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Ilaria Baiardini
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (L.T.); (G.S.); (I.B.); (F.B.); (A.N.)
| | - Fulvio Braido
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (L.T.); (G.S.); (I.B.); (F.B.); (A.N.)
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), Section of Geriatrics, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessio Nencioni
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (L.T.); (G.S.); (I.B.); (F.B.); (A.N.)
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), Section of Geriatrics, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Monacelli
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (L.T.); (G.S.); (I.B.); (F.B.); (A.N.)
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), Section of Geriatrics, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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Wettstein M, Werner-Wahl H, Spuling SM. Nine-year changes in self-reported problems with vision and hearing among older adults: do subjective age views matter? Aging Ment Health 2021; 25:2200-2212. [PMID: 32985229 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2020.1822290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES So far, little is known about linkages between subjective age views and long-term changes in vision and hearing. METHOD We examined the predictive role of two key measures of subjective age views (attitude toward own aging [ATOA]; aging-related cognitions comprising continuous growth, social loss, and physical decline) for changes in self-reported problems with vision and hearing over a period of up to 9 years. A subsample of the German Ageing Survey was used, consisting of 2,499 older adults. RESULTS Controlling for socio-demographic characteristics, self-rated health, and depressive symptoms, we found that with increasing age, more favorable ATOA scores, as well as higher scores on continuous growth and lower scores on physical decline, were associated with fewer self-reported vision problems at baseline. With advancing age, more favorable ATOA scores were also related with fewer hearing problems at baseline. However, among individuals with an older baseline age, more favorable ATOA scores were associated with a steeper increase in vision problems. Higher scores on continuous growth were related with less increase in hearing problems, independent of age. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that subjective age views predict individuals' self-reported vision and hearing problems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hans- Werner-Wahl
- Department of Psychological Ageing Research, Institute of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Kornadt AE, Albert I, Hoffmann M, Murdock E, Nell J. Perceived Ageism During the Covid-19-Crisis Is Longitudinally Related to Subjective Perceptions of Aging. Front Public Health 2021; 9:679711. [PMID: 34327186 PMCID: PMC8313802 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.679711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ageism in media and society has increased sharply during the Covid-19-crisis, with expected negative consequences for the health and well-being of older adults. The current study investigates whether perceived ageism during the crisis longitudinally affects how people perceive their own aging. In June 2020, N = 611 older adults from Luxembourg [aged 60–98 years, Mage(SD) = 69.92(6.97)] participated in a survey on their perception of the crisis. In October 2020, N = 523 participated in a second measurement occasion. Participants reported on perceived ageism during the crisis in different domains, their self-perceptions of aging and subjective age. In latent longitudinal regression models, we predicted views on aging at T2 with perceived ageism at T1, while controlling for baseline views on aging and covariates. Perceived ageism at T1 increased self-perceptions of aging as social loss and yielded a trend for physical decline, while there were no effects on subjective age and self-perceptions of aging as continued growth. Views on aging are powerful predictors of well-being and health outcomes in later life. Our data suggest that being the target of ageism during the crisis negatively affects older adults' self-perceptions of aging and this impact may be felt beyond the current crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Kornadt
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Isabelle Albert
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | | | - Elke Murdock
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Josepha Nell
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
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Gvili RL, Bodner E. Ageist Attitudes Are Associated with Will-to-Live and Moderated by Age, Medical Conditions and Attitudes toward Aging. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18136736. [PMID: 34201454 PMCID: PMC8268392 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18136736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The extent to which older adults’ ageist attitudes associate with their will-to-live has barely been studied. Moreover, whether this effect is moderated by older adults’ age, medical conditions, and attitudes toward their own aging has not been investigated. These associations were examined by two studies. Study 1 examined the relationship between ageist attitudes and will-to-live among individuals aged 48–97, and the moderating roles of age and medical conditions on this connection. Study 2 reassessed this connection in a new sample of older adults (people aged 60–94 years) and examined the moderating role of their attitudes toward aging in this regard. In line with the hypothesis of the first study, ageist attitudes and will-to-live were negatively associated among older adults with more medical conditions. In accordance with the hypotheses of study 2, the ageist attitudes and will-to-live connection was reconstructed, and when regressed on the ageist attitudes × attitudes toward aging interaction, it remained significant only among those with increased ageist attitudes. These findings demonstrate the negative effect that ageist attitudes may have on will-to-live, especially among the very old, and particularly when their health deteriorates, and support the utility of interventions aimed at increasing their will-to-live.
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Affiliation(s)
- Racheli-Lital Gvili
- Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel;
- Department of Music, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Ehud Bodner
- Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel;
- Department of Music, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
Although a large body of research has demonstrated the predictive power of subjective ageing for several decisive developmental outcomes, there remains some controversy about whether subjective ageing truly represents a unique construct. Thus, information about the convergent and discriminant validity of different approaches to measuring subjective ageing is still critically needed. Using data from the 2014 wave of the German Ageing Survey, we examined how three established subjective ageing measures (subjective age, global attitude toward own ageing, multidimensional ageing-related cognitions) were inter-related as well as distinct from general dispositions (optimism, self-efficacy) and well-being (negative affect, depressive symptoms, self-rated health). Using correlational and multivariate regression analysis, we found that the three subjective ageing measures were significantly inter-related (r = |.09| to |.30|), and that each measure was distinct from general dispositions and well-being. The overlap with dispositional and well-being measures was lowest for subjective age and highest for global attitudes towards own ageing. The correlation between global attitudes towards own ageing and optimism was particularly striking. Despite the high convergent validity of the different dimensions of ageing cognitions, we nevertheless observed stronger associations between specific dimensions of ageing cognitions with negative affect and self-rated health. We conclude that researchers should be aware of the multidimensional nature of subjective ageing. Furthermore, subjective age appears to be a highly aggregated construct and future work is needed to clarify its correlates and reference points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja M. Spuling
- German Centre of Gerontology (DZA), Manfred-von-Richthofen-Str. 2, 12101 Berlin, Germany
| | - Verena Klusmann
- Department of Psychology, Psychological Assessment and Health Psychology, University of Konstanz, P.O. Box 47, 78457 Constance, Germany
- Department of Psychology and Human Movement Science, Public Health, University of Hamburg, Mollerstr. 10, 20148 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Anna E. Kornadt
- Fakultät für Psychologie und Sportwissenschaft, Differentielle Psychologie und Psychologische Diagnostik, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Eva-Marie Kessler
- Department of Psychology, Geropsychology, MSB Medical School Berlin, Calandrellistraße 1-9, 12447 Berlin, Germany
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Abstract
Views on ageing (VoA) have special relevance for the ageing process by influencing health, well-being, and longevity. Although VoA form early in life, so far, most research has concentrated on how VoA affect later middle-aged and older adults. In this theoretical article, we argue that a lifespan approach is needed in order to more fully understand the origins of VoA, how they change over ontogenetic time, and how they shape development across the full breadth of the lifespan. We begin by explicitly linking VoA to fundamental principles of lifespan development. We review existing theories of VoA and discuss their respective contributions and limitations. We then outline a lifespan approach to VoA that integrates existing theories and addresses some of their limitations. We elaborate on three core propositions of a lifespan approach to VoA: (1) VoA develop as the result of a dynamic, ongoing, and complex interaction between biological-evolutionary, psychological, and social-contextual factors; however, the relative importance of different sources changes across the lifespan; (2) VoA impact development across the whole lifespan; however, different outcomes, mechanisms, and time frames need to be considered in order to describe and understand their effects; and (3) VoA are multidimensional, multidirectional, and multifunctional throughout life, but their complexity, meaning, and adaptivity change across the lifespan. We conclude with recommendations for future lifespan research on VoA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E. Kornadt
- Fakultät für Psychologie und Sportwissenschaft, Differentielle Psychologie und Psychologische Diagnostik, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Eva-Marie Kessler
- Department of Psychology, Geropsychology, MSB Medical School Berlin, Siemens Villa, Calandrellistraße 1-9, 12247 Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Wurm
- Institut für Community Medicine, Abt. für Sozialmedizin und Prävention, Universität Greifswald, Walter-Rathenau-Str. 48, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | | | | | - Verena Klusmann
- Department of Psychology, Psychological Assessment and Health Psychology, University of Konstanz, P.O. Box 47, 78457 Constance, Germany
- Department of Psychology and Human Movement Science, Public Health, University of Hamburg, Mollerstr. 10, 20148 Hamburg, Germany
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Zielińska-Więczkowska H, Sas K. The Sense of Coherence, Self-Perception of Aging and the Occurrence of Depression Among the Participants of the University of the Third Age Depending on Socio-Demographic Factors. Clin Interv Aging 2020; 15:1481-1491. [PMID: 32921994 PMCID: PMC7457795 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s260635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the sense of coherence and self-perception of aging and the risk of depression among attendees of the University of the Third Age (U3A). The influence of socio-demographic factors was studied. Participants and Methods The study involved 315 attendees of the U3A aged on average 68.4 years, age range 60–82 years old. The overwhelming majority were women (91.7%). Cross-sectional research was conducted using standardized questionnaires – the SOC-29 scale, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS – brief version) and the author’s own questionnaire regarding self-perception of aging. Results The study participants showed an average level of sense of coherence (130.7± 23.2). The highest number of people obtained average results of sense of coherence, both in terms of global SOC (75.2%) and its components. The highest scores on the SOC-29 scale were found for the sense of comprehensibility (41.3%). The mean value of the self-perception of aging was 69.0±16.0 and indicates the lower range of results for positive attitude. Nearly ¾ (72.1%) of the respondents had a positive self-perception of aging. The values of the scale of self-perception of aging showed a statistically significant relation to the global level of sense of coherence and its components (p<0.001). In people without depression, positive self-perception of aging was significantly more frequent than among participants with depression of increasing intensity. Education was significantly correlated with the results of the SOC-29 scale, the self-perception of aging scale and the GDS scale. Conclusion From the U3A research group, better educated elderly people have a higher sense of coherence and show a more positive self-perception of aging. Moreover, these people are less likely to show signs of senile depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halina Zielińska-Więczkowska
- Department of Social and Medical Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Sas
- Department of Social and Medical Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Martin A, Eglit GML, Maldonado Y, Daly R, Liu J, Tu X, Jeste DV. Attitude Toward Own Aging Among Older Adults: Implications for Cancer Prevention. Gerontologist 2020; 59:S38-S49. [PMID: 31100140 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnz039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Negative age stereotypes can become internalized and contribute to lower levels of physical and mental well-being in older adults, including those with serious illnesses. The main objective of this study was to examine the relationships of attitude toward own aging (ATOA) with health outcomes after controlling for resilience among older cancer survivors and comparison subjects without cancer, aged 50 years or older. METHODS We examined data in 1,140 adults from the Successful Aging Evaluation (SAGE) study, a structured multi-cohort investigation of community-based adults selected using random digit dialing. There were 219 participants with cancer (excluding skin cancer) and 912 without cancer. ATOA was assessed with the Philadelphia Geriatric Morale Scale, and its relationship with measures of physical, cognitive, and mental health, as well as resilience was evaluated. RESULTS Individuals with cancer reported slightly more pessimistic ATOA than individuals without cancer. ATOA correlated with physical and mental health in individuals with and without cancer. Hierarchical linear multiple regression revealed that ATOA contributed significantly to the prediction of physical and mental health after controlling for socio-demographic variables and resilience. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Higher levels of positive ATOA appear to be a protective factor for health in older adults, including those with cancer. Interventions that provide education about positive aspects of aging, modify negative automatic thoughts, and promote optimism may be useful for increasing ATOA and thereby improving physical and mental health in older adults, especially those with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- A'verria Martin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego.,Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego
| | - Graham M L Eglit
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego.,Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego
| | - Yadira Maldonado
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego.,Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego
| | - Rebecca Daly
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego.,Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego
| | - Jinyuan Liu
- Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego.,Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego
| | - Xin Tu
- Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego.,Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego
| | - Dilip V Jeste
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego.,Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego.,Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego
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Wurm S, Diehl M, Kornadt AE, Westerhof GJ, Wahl HW. How do views on aging affect health outcomes in adulthood and late life? Explanations for an established connection. Developmental Review 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dr.2017.08.002 or 1=1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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11
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Wurm S, Diehl M, Kornadt AE, Westerhof GJ, Wahl HW. How do views on aging affect health outcomes in adulthood and late life? Explanations for an established connection. Dev Rev 2017; 46:27-43. [PMID: 33927468 PMCID: PMC8081396 DOI: 10.1016/j.dr.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Personal views on aging, such as age stereotypes and subjective aging, can affect various health outcomes in later life. For the past 20 years or so, a large body of experimental and longitudinal work has provided ample evidence for this connection. Thus, it seems timely to better understand the pathways of this linkage. The majority of existing studies has either focused on age stereotypes or subjective aging. This theoretical paper provides a systematic comparison of major theoretical approaches that offer explanations through which different views on aging may affect health. After a short review of findings on the short- and long-term effects of different views on aging, we describe theoretical approaches that provide explanations of underlying mechanisms for the effect of both uni- and multidimensional views on aging on health outcomes. We compare the specific characteristics of these approaches, provide a heuristic framework and outline recommendations for future research routes. A better understanding of the impact of different views on aging on health outcomes is not only relevant for basic research in life-span developmental psychology, geropsychology and health psychology, it has also implications for intervention research and public health practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Wurm
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany
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