Perceptions of Aging: Investigating Group Differences and Predictors of Subjective Age
Author Information
Author(s): da Rosa Grace, Martin Peter
Primary Institution: Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States; Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States
Hypothesis
The study aims to assess the association of subjective age with various factors such as education, actual age, self-report health, personality, loneliness, chronic stress, and psychological well-being.
Conclusion
Older adults who feel younger than their chronological age tend to have better mental health and well-being compared to those who feel older.
Supporting Evidence
- Older adults who feel younger reported lower depression scores.
- Those who feel younger have lower levels of loneliness.
- Feeling younger is associated with lower chronic stress.
- Higher levels of Extraversion and Openness to Experience are linked to feeling younger.
- Older adults who feel younger report higher life satisfaction.
Takeaway
This study shows that how old people feel can affect their happiness and health, with younger feelings linked to better mental health.
Methodology
The study used data from the 2000 wave of the Health and Retirement Study.
Participant Demographics
Adults aged 65 years and older.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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