LATE-LIFE OUTCOMES OF FEELINGS OF BELONGING THROUGHOUT THE LIFE COURSE
2024

The Impact of Belonging on Late-Life Outcomes

Sample size: 3091 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Emily Briggs, Jacqui Smith

Primary Institution: University of Michigan

Hypothesis

How do self-perceptions of belonging throughout life stages predict late-life belonging and activity engagement?

Conclusion

Feelings of belonging in childhood, adolescence, and midlife significantly predict belonging and activity engagement in late life.

Supporting Evidence

  • Self-reported feelings of belonging in childhood, adolescence, and midlife were predictive of late-life belonging.
  • Belonging in childhood, midlife, and late life predicted heightened activity engagement in late life.

Takeaway

Feeling like you belong when you're young helps you feel connected and active when you're older.

Methodology

Linear regressions were conducted using retrospective self-reports of belonging from three life stages.

Participant Demographics

Mean age 70.48, range 50-98, includes various sociodemographic variables.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.3422

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