Abstract
IntroductionSocial engagement is protective in later life but it is not clear what factors predict engagement. This paper investigates whether older adults' self-perceptions of aging predict social and cognitive engagement. Methods5499 participants from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging (TILDA) completed measures of self-perceptions of aging at baseline and social engagement at follow-up. ResultsParticipants with negative perceptions at baseline were more likely to decline in social leisure pursuits (OR=1.31, p=.004). There was a trend effect for decreased engagement with the community, social network and cognitive stimulation. Participants with positive perceptions at baseline were less likely to have disengaged from cognitively stimulating activities 2years later. ConclusionThese findings tentatively suggest that self-perceptions of aging may influence social and cognitive engagement in later life. A longer follow-up period is needed to determine whether these changes are stable.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
