Age Perception Research Articles

Exploratory perceptions of successful ageing and preferences for information and support amongst sexually and gender diverse people living with HIV in Australia

The current exploratory study investigates self-reported perceptions of successful ageing, and preferences for information access and support, amongst sexually and gender diverse people living with HIV in Australia. Cross-sectional data, derived from a larger survey, were extracted for 12 participants who self-reported as living with HIV and completed questions pertaining to successful ageing and information/support preferences. Qualitative responses regarding successful ageing were explored through thematic analysis while descriptive statistics were used to analyse information/support preferences. Themes of (1) social factors, agency, and autonomy; (2) physical and mental wellbeing; and (3) considerations of care needs and information were generated from qualitative data about successful ageing. General practitioners (83.3%) and HIV support services (75.0%) were the most preferred sources of information about ageing and care supports. Findings from this exploratory study identify opportunities for policy improvements, provision of funding, and coordinated community support to enable sexually and gender diverse people living with HIV to experience successful ageing in Australia.

‘진지한 여가’로서 중년여성들의 ‘라인댄스 무용단’ 활동 경험

Objectives The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of middle-aged women participating in the ‘Line Dance Dance Company’ as a form of serious leisure. Methods This study aimed to understand the value and significance of line dance group activities in participants' lives. It employed a qualitative case study approach, specifically using a descriptive case study method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with participants involved in line dance group activities. A total of six cases were analyzed using repetitive comparative analysis methods to identify common themes and insights. The study provides a rich and detailed description of the meanings and values that participants derive from their involvement in these activities. Results First, the process of participating in line dance group activities was categorized into ‘glimpsing another world,’ ‘challenging: entering another world,’ ‘showing off oneself,’ and ‘re-challenging: entering another world.’ Through this process, the research participants' experiences can be interpreted as engaging in ‘serious leisure.’ Second, the meaning of the line dance group activity experience was derived as ‘discovering another version of oneself with passion and dedication,’ ‘expanding roles: being able to help,’ ‘restoring life subjectivity: living proactively for a wonderful self,’ and ‘happy life with a goal: preparing to be a wonderful grandmother.’ Conclusions Line dance company activities help participants discover their potential, enhance self-love, and maintain a positive perception of aging. In other words, these activities offer meaning and value beyond mere physical exercise, providing a serious and rewarding leisure experience. This study confirms that line dance group activities are valuable as they enable middle-aged women to anticipate their future with life subjectivity and goal setting. Therefore, programs that address various needs through group activities should be developed to serve as central points for middle-aged women's serious leisure activities.

The Jade Gateway to Exergaming: How Socio-Cultural Factors Shape Exergaming Among East Asian Older Adults

Exergaming, blending exercise and gaming, improves the physical and mental health of older adults. We currently do not fully know the factors that drive older adults to either engage in or abstain from exergaming. Large-scale studies investigating this are still scarce, particularly those studying East Asian older adults. To address this, we interviewed 64 older adults from China, Japan, and South Korea about their attitudes toward exergames. Most participants viewed exergames with a positive inquisitiveness. However, socio-cultural factors can obstruct this curiosity. Our study shows that perceptions of aging, lifestyle, the presence of support networks, and the cultural relevance of game mechanics are the crucial factors influencing their exergame engagement. Thus, we stress the value of socio-cultural sensitivity in game design and urge the HCI community to adopt more diverse design practices. We provide several design suggestions for creating more culturally approachable exergames.

Perceptions of brain health and aging among middle-aged latinos: A qualitative paper

ObjectivesLatinos living in the US are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). To develop culturally-informed interventions, a first step is engaging with key stakeholders. The present study aimed to explore perspectives on brain health and aging among middle-aged Latinos living in Chicago, IL. MethodsIndividual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 English- or Spanish-speaking Latinos between 35 to 64 years old. Questions from a previously used interview guide were leveraged and addressed knowledge about the brain, perceptions of healthy and unhealthy aging, ideas of how to care for the brain, where knowledge was acquired, and suggestions for disseminating brain health education. Responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. ResultsThe following themes were identified: (1) Understanding of the brain is varied (including cognitive, behavioral, anatomical, and psychological descriptions); (2) Perceptions surrounding healthy aging are broad and demonstrate a depth of understanding (e.g., physical and cognitive abilities, independence, positive emotions, and sociability), yet understanding of signs of an unhealthy brain is somewhat limited (e.g., focus on memory); (3) Brain health promotion is largely viewed as actionable (spanning physical health, cognitively stimulating activities, emotional wellbeing, medical self-management, and social connectedness); (4) Suggestions for disseminating education included media, clinics, churches, libraries, and community centers, with consideration of possible barriers and facilitators to behavior change (e.g., finances, prioritizing family). ConclusionsResults showed significant heterogeneity in understanding of the brain, albeit with promising attitudes that actions can be taken to protect one’s brain from ADRD. Practice ImplicationsTakeaways include the need for increasing education on normative versus nonnormative memory loss and signs of ADRD beyond memory impairment. Messaging may benefit from utilizing analogies, considering familism and spirituality, and highlighting lifestyle changes that do not carry a financial burden or place blame on individuals.

Empathy mitigates the relationship between ageism and subjective age in late life

This study corresponds with a dispute in gerontology literature about whether a younger subjective age acts as a psychological defense for older adults by perceiving themselves as younger in order to dissociate from their age-group or as a marker of good physical health. This cross-sectional study presents a preliminary step to clarify this dispute. We examined the role of emotional empathy (measured by the Multifaceted Empathy Test) as a moderator in the ageism (measured implicitly by the Brief Implicit Association Test) and subjective age (measured on Likert scale) association on a convenience sample of 203 community-dwelling older adults (aged 65–90, M = 74.54, SD = 6.76). It was hypothesized that implicit ageism would be associated with younger subjective age and that this association would be only evident among older adults with lower emotional empathy. Implicit ageism was not associated with younger subjective age. As expected, hierarchical linear regression showed that the connection between higher implicit ageism and a younger subjective age remains significant (p = 0.012) only among participants with lower emotional empathy (∆R2 = 0.022, β = 0.156). Higher emotional empathy was associated with younger subjective age. For older adults who are equipped with the ability to feel others' emotions, the defensive dissociation between self and other perceptions of aging might be unnecessary. Theoretical and methodological implications are discussed.

Nurses' Provision of Sexual and Reproductive Health to Community-Dwelling Older Adults: An Integrative Review.

To explore barriers and facilitators to nurses' provision of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care to community-dwelling older adults. An integrative literature review was performed using Whittemore and Knafl's method. Three databases were searched for research conducted between 2012 and 2023, and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to determine the quality of included studies. Nine studies were ultimately included for analysis, and themes were Barriers to SRH Care and Facilitators of SRH Care. Barriers to SRH Care included: nurses' lack of knowledge about older adults' sexual health, discomfort discussing sexual topics, age-related stereotypes regarding older adults' sexuality, and older adults' lack of knowledge of and reluctance to discuss sexuality and sexual health issues. Facilitators of SRH Care included: gender of health care provider, nursing education on effective communication strategies, encouraging open dialogue to challenge ageist perceptions, and sexual education for older adults. Findings underscore the impact of stigma and negative ageist assumptions on whether discussions about SRH occur between nurses and older adults. There is a need for comprehensive education for nurses and older adults about SRH to recognize sexual health needs and promote open and constructive conversations. Moreover, research about how to best facilitate older adults' SRH is needed. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(10), 17-23.].

Conceptions of aging and beliefs about how one's life is unfolding over time: A lifespan developmental perspective.

The present study examined beliefs about how one's life satisfaction is unfolding over time in relation to conceptions of aging in an online American adult lifespan sample (N = 882; Mage = 47.89, SD = 15.30, range = 19-84 years; 56% female). Single-item and multi-item ratings of recollected past, current, and anticipated future life satisfaction were employed, along with subjective perceptions of change in life satisfaction over time. Person-centered (latent profile) analysis identified distinct linear and nonlinear patterns of beliefs concerning past-current and current-future changes in life satisfaction: improve-improve, stable-stable, worsen-worsen, and worsen-improve. Multiple facets of conceptions of aging were assessed, including subjective perceptions of age (chronological vs. felt and desired age); attitudes toward, experiences of, and expectations concerning aging; future time perspective; and goal orientations (growth, maintenance, prevention of losses). Multinomial logistic regression models identified unique facets of conceptions of aging characterizing the four profiles. In general, individuals reporting a distinct profile conveying the belief that one's life was improving (vs. worsening) over time were characterized by more positive conceptions of aging. Further, conceptions of aging partially explained the link between chronological age and the belief that one's life is getting worse and worse (vs. better and better). Thus, the present work provides new insights into how age and conceptions of aging may shape the directions and patterns with which individuals view their lives to be unfolding over time. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Risk and Resistance: Ageing in the Charity Retail Sector

Abstract Background Charity shops have long been found to promote sociability, nurture experiences of belonging and act as spaces for community, caring and well-being. Older people remain likely to participate in this setting and charity shop volunteering is typically associated with events of positive ageing. However, the sector's growing emphasis on professionalism and profit raises questions about the potential impact of organisational change on this group. This research seeks to address this gap by exploring how older volunteers experience their roles within the evolving context of the modern UK charity shop. Methods This PhD study employed an ethnographic approach, involving 268 hours of immersive fieldwork across 3 charity shops in Greater Manchester. Ethnographic data was complemented by 17 semi-structured interviews with volunteers and store managers. Results Ageist discourses have been embedded into the sector, which work to reconstitute older volunteers as a type of ‘risky subject'. Such discourses manifest in unique ways on the charity shop floor and comprise of a range of practices, both subtle and overt, that are driven by the organisations focus on an intensified form of productivity. This prompts diverse forms of resistance from older volunteers, which are underpinned by the aim to not only counter negative perceptions of ageing but be just ‘visible’ enough in order to get by. Conclusion This paper unpacks the multifaceted nature of ageism in the charity retail sector. Whilst it is not as simple as suggesting that charity shops are solely characterised by ageism - especially considering the volunteer experience varies considerably across different contexts and places - age-related tensions are nonetheless more prevalent in the everyday. Older volunteers are not passive in the face of such change and continually work to avoid exclusion and remain integrated in this space in diverse ways.

Housing Insecurity and Older Adults' Health and Well-Being in a Gentrifying City: Results from the EPIPorto Cohort Study.

Using 2022 data from 600 adults (≥ 60years) in Porto, Portugal, we explored the association between housing insecurity and various health outcomes. We examined housing conditions, affordability, and stability in relation to loneliness, quality of life, cognitive function, perception of healthy ageing, and sleep using regression models. Older adults without house heating (β = 2.293; 95%CI = 0.753, 3.833), with leaks/dampness/rot (β = 3.741; 1.818, 5.664), insufficient daylight (β = 2.787; 0.095, 5.479), living in neighborhoods with noise (β = 1.793, 0.280 to 3.305), pollution/grime (β = 2.580; 0.746, 4.414), and violence/crime/vandalism (β = 3.940; 1.723, 6.157), who faced housing cost overburden (β = 2.001; 0.426, 3.577), eviction (β = 12.651; 0.852, 24.450), and moved frequently (β = 4.129; 1.542, 6.716) exhibited higher levels of loneliness. Similarly, lack of house heating (β = - 1.942; - 3.438, - 0.445), leaks/dampness/rot (β = - 4.157; - 5.999, - 2.316), insufficient daylight (β = - 3.124; - 5.714, - 0.534), noise (β = - 2.143; - 3.600, - 0.686), pollution/grime (β= - 2.093; - 3.860, - 0.325), violence/crime/vandalism (β= - 2.819; - 4.948, - 0.691), and those with housing cost overburden (β= - 2.435; - 3.930, - 0.940) reported lower quality of life.Those with no toilet (β = - 1.891; - 3.760, - 0.021) or shower (β = - 1.891; - 3.760, - 0.021) and who faced forced displacement (β = - 2.179; - 3.516, - 0.842) presented lower cognitive function. Furthermore, those living in neighborhoods with pollution/grime (OR = 0.494; 0.322, 0.756) and violence/crime/vandalism (OR = 0.477; 0.284, 0.801), those in social housing (OR = 0.728; 0.575, 0.922), and those who moved frequently (OR = 0.475; 0.257, 0.879) reported lower levels of perceived healthy ageing. Insufficient sleep was more common among residents in social housing (OR = 2.155; 1.102, 4.213), while poor sleep quality was least likely both among those living in social housing (OR = 0.445; 0.220, 0.900) and affordable housing (OR = 0.381; 0.162, 0.896). Good quality, stable, and affordable housing seems crucial for healthy ageing.

A - 88 Grandparent Caregivers Interaction with Experiences of Discrimination Effect on Perceptions of Cognitive Control

Abstract Objective This study hypothesized that perceptions of cognitive ability control will differ according to grandparent caregiving status and perceptions of discrimination based on age. Control beliefs mediate the relation between discrimination and executive function. Due to the intersectional nature of grandparents who raise grandchildren and minority statuses compared to non-caregiving grandparents, it is thought that perceptions of age being the main reason of discrimination will differentially affect caregiving grandparents compared to non-caregiving grandparents perceptions of control over cognitive ability. Method Data included 92 caregiving and 407 non-caregiving grandparent participants from the third wave of a longitudinal data collection survey Midlife in the United States study (MIDUS III). MIDUS III included self-administered surveys assessing caregiver status, perceptions of main reasons of discrimination, and perceptions of cognitive control. Result A 2-way ANOVA was performed to analyze the effect of grandparent caregiver status and age discrimination perceptions on perceptions of cognitive ability control. A 2-way ANOVA revealed there was a significant interaction between the effects of grandparent caregiver status and perceptions of aging discrimination (F(1, 498) = 7047, p < 0.001). Conclusions Grandparent caregivers are more likely to have higher perceptions of control over cognitive ability when they do not perceive age as a main reason for discrimination; whereas non-caregiving grandparents have higher perceptions of control over cognitive ability when they do perceive age as a main reason for discrimination. Perceptions of why individuals are discriminated against may interact with personal factors that contribute to perceptions of control in cognitive ability.

Patient-Perceived Improvement in Facial Appearance and Quality of life: FACE-Q as a Tool to Study Reduction Mandibuloplasty Outcomes.

This study aimed to assess patient satisfaction regarding facial appearance and quality of life pre- and post-reduction mandibuloplasty. In addition, it sought to investigate the factors influencing patient satisfaction. Conducted as a prospective cohort study spanning from November 2020 to October 2023, participants were required to complete the FACE-Q assessment both before and one year following reduction mandibuloplasty. Normative FACE-Q values from individuals aged over 18 years were employed for comparison. A multivariate linear regression model was used to evaluate the impact of various factors on FACE-Q outcomes. Statistically significant enhancements in patient satisfaction were observed with overall appearance, lower face and jawline, and quality of life post-surgery. When compared to normative data, preoperative scores were significantly lower, yet postoperative scores reach levels comparable to those of the normative population. Moreover, patients generally perceived themselves as looking approximately 0.75 years younger post-surgery. Notably, patients aged 30 and younger experienced more pronounced improvements than those above 30. Reduction mandibuloplasty significantly contributes to the enhancement of facial appearance and quality of life, achieving results representative of the general population. Moreover, it positively influences the perception of apparent facial age. The extent of improvement varies among distinct age groups, emphasizing the recommendation for reduction mandibuloplasty at earlier ages, as older patients tended to exhibit less improvement. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Being old is like…: perceptions of aging among healthcare profession students

BackgroundThis research explores the perspectives and attitudes of university students in health sciences towards aging and older adults. Given the intricate interplay of factors influencing attitudes toward aging, coupled with the demographic shift in Turkey from a youthful to an aging population, the study aims to discern how a cohort of university students perceives the aging process.MethodsEmploying a mixed-methods research strategy, which enhances the depth of data interpretation, the study utilized a questionnaire for quantitative data collection. Additionally, qualitative insights were gathered through a metaphor stem-completion item appended to the questionnaire and semi-structured interviews with students. The participants were selected from the Health Sciences Faculty and School of Medicine at a Turkish university.ResultsThe study revealed that participating students generally hold positive attitudes and demonstrate respect towards older adults. However, they also associate old age with negative aspects such as loss of autonomy and a constant need for assistance. Furthermore, older individuals are perceived as emotionally challenging and challenging to work with, irrespective of the nature and duration of interactions during their academic programs. These findings suggest a potential pathologizing perspective towards aging adults among health science students, who are prospective health professionals.ConclusionsThis paper discusses the implications of the study and offers insights for program coordinators, curriculum designers, and faculty members in health sciences. The results underscore the necessity for a heightened emphasis on gerontology-related subjects within health science curricula. This emphasis is crucial for cultivating a comprehensive understanding among students of the social, psychological, cognitive, and biological changes associated with aging.

Effects of self-perception of aging interventions in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background and Objectives Self-perception of aging (SPA) is associated with various health outcomes in the aging process. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of existing interventions targeting SPA among older adults, and to synthesize their effects on self-perception of aging, physical performance, and mental health. Research Design and Methods A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, CENTRAL, CNKI, SinoMed, VIP, and WanFang databases for randomized controlled trials that reported intervention effects on self-perception of aging, physical performance, and mental health in older adults. Two researchers independently conducted study selection, data extraction and quality assessment. Results A total of 16 studies were included for qualitative analysis, and 12 studies of them were included for meta-analysis. The results showed a significant impact of interventions on self-perception of aging, with the effect size of -0.56 (95% CI -1.06 to -0.07, P=0.03). And the results also supported a significant improvement in physical performance and mental health among older adults. Discussion and Implications Self-perception of aging interventions present a promising approach to enhance positive aging perception for older adults, with potential benefits extending to physical performance and mental health. However, larger-scale and more robust trials are still required to validate these findings and obtain more accurate conclusions.

Body weight and aging self-perception of adult and older women who underwent bariatric surgery. A Public Health policies issue

The literature suggests that obesity mirrors some aspects of aging, but little is known whether body weight can contribute to one’s self-perception of aging. We aimed to qualitatively understand the self-perception of aging of adult and older adult women who underwent bariatric surgery, both at the present time and at the time of the procedure. We conducted individual, semi-structured interviews with 15 adult and 15 older adult women. Data were analyzed identifying the regular, expressive, and meaningful significance units collected through the interviews. Three major aspects influenced the participants’ aging perceptions: 1) The process of undergoing bariatric surgery; 2) the way they presented themselves and acted in the world (feeling a sense of independence, capacity, youthfulness, and having a certain attitude) and 3) their excessive weight before the bariatric surgery. Ageism and weight stigma were intricated in our participants’ experiences, leading them to wish distance from negative labels about aging and fatness. It is high time that the public sphere proposes public politics to the population with obesity that is algo getting older. Thus, our data can help policymakers to consider interactions between age and obesity.

Inter-cultural perspectives on aging

This review examines the inter-cultural perspectives on aging, focusing on how cultural dimensions and stereotypes influence attitudes toward the elderly. The purpose of this research is to explore the variations in aging perceptions between Eastern and Western cultures, considering the growing global aging population. The study analyzes significant cultural dimensions, including power distance, individualism versus collectivism, masculinity versus femininity, uncertainty avoidance, and long-term versus short-term orientation, which shape societal attitudes toward older adults. The review compares Eastern cultures, which are generally influenced by Confucian values promoting respect and care for the elderly, with Western societies that often emphasize youth, independence, and innovation, leading to more prevalent ageism. Furthermore, the impact of stereotypes on healthcare practices is explored, revealing how negative perceptions can adversely affect the quality of care provided to older adults. The findings indicate that intercultural sensitivity is crucial for healthcare professionals to deliver effective, culturally appropriate care. The review highlights the need for further research and the development of healthcare systems that address the needs of diverse aging populations. In conclusion, understanding cultural influences on aging is essential for enhancing the well-being and quality of life of older adults globally, and for creating inclusive societies that value all age groups.

Psychological Well-Being and Self-Aging Attitudes Moderate the Association between Subjective Age and Age Discrimination in the Workplace.

Views of aging include peoples' assessment of their own aging process and their subjective age. Positive views of aging relate to a improved psychological well-being which predicts better physical and mental health. While these relationships were substantially studied, the moderating roles of self-aging attitudes and psychological well-being in the subjective age-age discrimination connection have been much less explored. The current study used a convenience sample of 568 participants (mean = 66.21y, SD = 11.95, age range 50-95), 55.8% women, 67.1% employed. In line with the hypotheses, young subjective age and psychological well-being were connected to less age discrimination in the workplace, and higher psychological well-being mitigated the subjective age-age discrimination at work connection. When the perception of old age as a period of loss was added to the model, adults who perceived old age as a period of loss and reported lower levels of psychological well-being demonstrated the strongest relationship between an increase in subjective age and an increase in age-related discrimination at work. The findings emphasize the importance of the psychological well-being of older employees as a resource for improving their attitudes towards their last years at work.

Through The Lens – Perceptions and Experiences of Aging in Older Adults Living in Residential Care Facilities

Through The Lens – Perceptions and Experiences of Aging in Older Adults Living in Residential Care Facilities

Exploring the Facilitators of the Gerotranscendence Theory: Correlations among Sustainable Behaviors, Biophilic Design, and Nature Connectedness.

Aim: This study aims to shift views away from negative perceptions towards aging by exploring the following research question: How are the multiple levels of the gerotranscendence theory influenced by the sustainable behavior and attitude toward the biophilic design of older adults? Background: Improving perceptions of aging is vital for positively impacting both the biological and societal aspects of the global aging phenomenon. Methods: The study utilized a mixed-method design. Initially, 300 older Turkish adults completed self-reported measures including the Gerotranscendence Scale (GS), Pro-environmental Behavior (PB), Environmental Identity Scale (EID), Biophilic Design Importance Level (BDI), and Inclusion of Nature in the Self Scale (INS). Subsequently, the second phase involved diary logs from 30 participants who volunteered during the initial phase. Results: Results indicated that a higher importance level placed on biophilic design was linked to a greater inclusion of nature in the self. Moreover, a stronger interest in nature correlated positively with the gerotranscendence experience. Conclusions: The results bring significant attention to biophilic design, especially its relevance in supporting sustainable environmental behaviors and positive aging.

Роль субъективного возраста в системе психологических факторов течения болезни у мужчин с раком предстательной железы. Часть I. Субъективный возраст и качество жизни у мужчин с раком предстательной железы

<p><strong>Relevance.</strong> Prostate cancer remains one of the major public health problems worldwide, as it is accompanied by high rates of morbidity and mortality. Purpose. The work is devoted to the study of the role of subjective age in the system of psychological factors of the course of the disease in men with prostate cancer; in this part of the work, attention is focused on the relationship between subjective age and quality of life. <strong>Materials and methods</strong>. The study involved 127 men aged 53 to 85 years (М=68; Ме=69; SD=10,27) diagnosed with prostate cancer (stage I of the disease – 16 men; stage II – 64; stage III – 13; IV – 34; favorable course of the disease – 40 people, unfavorable - 61). In addition to socio-demographic data, subjective age was studied (B. Barak questionnaire in adaptation by E.A. Sergienko, 2011), quality of life – subjective health assessments (SF-36 questionnaire in adaptation by K.G. Gurevich, E.G. Fabrikant, 2008). This work consists of two parts describing the role of subjective age in the system of psychological factors in men with prostate cancer. Part I of the article is devoted to the analysis of the role of subjective age and quality of life assessments. Three subgroups were identified according to estimates of subjective age: those who feel younger than their passport age (80 people), adequate to their age (44 people) and older (3 people). <strong>Results and conclusions</strong>. The analysis of men with different perceptions of subjective age with a favorable and unfavorable course of the disease was carried out. It is shown that men who feel younger concentrate on the physical aspects of health and their own vitality, fearing for the level of their own activity and compliance with gender functioning, regardless of the prosperous/dysfunctional course of the disease.</p>

Beyond wrinkles: ageing, graphic medicine, and Zidrou and Aimée de Jongh’s Blossoms in Autumn

Ageing, an inevitable biological process, is often oversimplified, subjecting elderly individuals to both positive and negative sociocultural stereotypes. Elderly individuals are stigmatised as passive, suffering and asexual, while simultaneously being...