Abstract
BackgroundSelf-perceptions of aging have been implicated as independent predictors of functional disability and mortality in older adults. In spite of this, research on self-perceptions of aging is limited. One reason for this is the absence of adequate measures. Specifically, there is a need to develop a measure that is theoretically-derived, has good psychometric properties, and is multidimensional in nature. The present research seeks to address this need by adopting the Self-Regulation Model as a framework and using it to develop a comprehensive, multi-dimensional instrument for assessing self-perceptions of aging. This study describes the validation of this newly-developed instrument, the Aging Perceptions Questionnaire (APQ).MethodsParticipants were 2,033 randomly selected community-dwelling older (+65 yrs) Irish adults who completed the APQ alongside measures of physical and psychological health. The APQ assesses self-perceptions of aging along eight distinct domains or subscales; seven of these examine views about own aging, these are: timeline chronic, timeline cyclical, consequences positive, consequences negative, control positive, control negative, and emotional representations; the eighth domain is the identity domain and this examines the experience of health-related changes.ResultsMokken scale analysis showed that the majority of items within the views about aging subscales were strongly scalable. Confirmatory factor analysis also indicated that the model provided a good fit for the data. Overall, subscales had good internal reliabilities. Hierarchical linear regression was conducted to investigate the independent contribution of APQ subscales to physical and psychological health and in doing so determine the construct validity of the APQ. Results showed that self-perceptions of aging were independently related to physical and psychological health. Mediation testing also supported a role for self-perceptions of aging as partial mediators in the relationship between indices of physical functioning and physical and psychological health outcomes.ConclusionFindings support the complex and multifaceted nature of the aging experience. The good internal reliability and construct validity of the subscales suggests that the APQ is a promising instrument that can enable a theoretically informed, multidimensional assessment of self-perceptions of aging. The potential role of self-perceptions of aging in facilitating physical and psychological health in later life is also highlighted.
Highlights
Self-perceptions of aging have been implicated as independent predictors of functional disability and mortality in older adults
Such findings are important given that negative perceptions and beliefs about aging might be amenable to change [10] and as such could be considered in interventions to facilitate physical and psychological health in later life
The findings indicated that the Aging Perceptions Questionnaire (APQ) was a promising instrument for assessing self-perceptions of aging
Summary
Self-perceptions of aging have been implicated as independent predictors of functional disability and mortality in older adults. Research on self-perceptions of aging is limited One reason for this is the absence of adequate measures. The relationship between self-perceptions of aging and health-related outcomes has been documented through an array of qualitative and quantitative studies. At a behavioral level, self-perceptions of aging are related to the adoption of health-promoting behaviors [8], and coping strategies [9]. Such findings are important given that negative perceptions and beliefs about aging might be amenable to change [10] and as such could be considered in interventions to facilitate physical and psychological health in later life
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
