Self-perceived Age Research Articles

Negative Emotions Are Associated With Older Self-perceived Age: A Cross-section Study From the UK Biobank.

Prior research has indicated a potential connection between psychological stress and how individuals perceive their own age. Building on this foundation, the current study explores the relationship between negative emotions and self-perceived age. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the UK Biobank, a comprehensive cohort study representing the UK population. The analysis included 347 892 participants, aged between 39 and 73 years, of which 184 765 were women, accounting for 53.1% of the sample. Participants were categorized into three groups based on their self-perceived age: feeling younger than their chronological age (group Younger), feeling older than their chronological age (group Older), and feeling as old as their actual age (group Same). To investigate the relationship between negative emotions and self-perceived age, we utilized a multinomial logistic regression model with the Younger group serving as the reference category. Of 347 892 participants, after adjusted for covariates, the results showed that participants with irritability, nervous feelings, worrier/anxious feelings or fed-up feelings, worry too long and loneliness/isolation are more likely to be rated as "about your age" or "older than you are," with "younger than you are" as the reference group, indicating that negative emotions may influence one's self-perceived age. Among those negative emotions, irritability has the most significant impact self-perceived age, with the odds ratios (ORs) being 1.44 (95% CI: 1.35-1.54) and 1.11 (95% CI: 1.09-1.14). Negative emotions are associated with older self-perceived age, and irritability has the greatest impact. Further studies analyzing self-perceived age are needed to take psychological factors into consideration.

The self-perceived age of GenX women: prioritising female subjective age identity in marketing

PurposeThis study aims to examine the phenomenon of self-perceived age (SPA) identity for Generation X (GenX) women in the UK. Squeezed between the more ubiquitous “boomer” and “millennial” cohorts, and now with both gender and age stigma-related challenges, this study looks to provide insights for understanding this group for marketing.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts an existential phenomenological approach using a hybrid structured/hermeneutic research design. Data is collected using solicited diary research (SDR) that elicits autoethnographic insights into the lived experiences of GenX women, these in the context of SPA.FindingsFor this group, the authors find age a gendered phenomenon represented via seven “age frames”, collectively an “organisation of experience”. Age identity appears not to have unified meaning but is contingent upon individuals and their experiences. These frames then provide further insights into how diarists react to the stigma of gendered ageism.Research limitations/implicationsSDR appeals to participants who like completing diaries and are motivated by the research topic. This limits both diversity of response and sample size, but coincidentally enhances elicitation potential – outweighing, the authors believe, these constraints. The sample comprises UK women only.Practical implicationsThis study acknowledges GenX women as socially real, but from an SPA perspective they are heterogeneous, and consequently distributed across many segments. Here, age is a psychographic, not demographic, variable – a subjective rather than chronological condition requiring a nuanced response from marketers.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first formal study into how SPA identity is manifested for GenX women. Methodologically, this study uses e-journals/diaries, an approach not yet fully exploited in marketing research.

The role of self-perceived age in older adults considering adjuvant chemotherapy

IntroductionAging-related concerns can increase the risk of treatment toxicities among older adults considering adjuvant chemotherapy. We previously demonstrated that older adults with cancer who reported feeling older than their chronological age (i.e., self-perceived age) were more likely to have aging-related concerns identified during a geriatric assessment. We explored how decisions about adjuvant chemotherapy vary with or are related to older adults' self-perceived age. Materials and MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of a multi-phased feasibility pilot using semi-structured interviews that were conducted to explore the patient decision-making process for adjuvant chemotherapy. Interviews incorporated questions about chronological and perceived age as factors for decision-making. Patient eligibility for the study included (1) age ≥ 70 years and older, (2) a diagnosis of breast, colon, or lung cancer and considering adjuvant chemotherapy, and (3) able to read size 18 font in English. Interview data were analyzed using constant comparative method. ResultsTwenty-one patients were enrolled. The mean chronological age was 78 years (range 71–91). The average perceived age of patients was 57 years (range 21–80). Eleven patients chose to receive treatment while ten patients did not. Aging-related themes illustrated that self-perceived age plays an important role when patients make decisions about adjuvant chemotherapy. More specifically, patients who reported their self-perceived age as younger than their chronological age also reported better perceived health status and chose to receive adjuvant chemotherapy. DiscussionPatients' experiences of aging and self-perceived age may have different implications for decision-making.

Targeting Multiple Hallmarks of Skin Aging: Preclinical and Clinical Efficacy of a Novel Growth Factor-Based Skin Care Serum.

The aging process involves numerous biological mechanisms that have been characterized and proposed as the "hallmarks of aging." Targeting the processes and pathways related to these hallmarks of aging that cause and promote skin aging could provide anti-aging benefits. A novel topical growth factor-based skin care serum (A+) was developed using human fibroblast conditioned media. This study aimed to assess the effects of A+ on four hallmarks of aging and its clinical efficacy in skin rejuvenation in subjects with moderate to severe overall facial photodamage. Preclinical studies included immunohistochemistry in human exvivo skin, and gene expression analysis in human 3D skin models. A 24-week, vehicle placebo-controlled study, including FaceQ patient-reported outcomes and skin biopsy analysis, was performed to assess clinical efficacy and tolerability. Treatment with A+ resulted in reduced expression of cell senescence biomarker H2A.J and upregulation of genes associated with proteasome, autophagy, stemness, and intercellular communication. Clinical assessments showed A+ provided significantly greater reductions in sagging, coarse lines/wrinkles, fine lines/wrinkles, overall photodamage, and overall hyperpigmentation compared with placebo. Subjects felt they appeared younger-looking, reporting a median decrease in self-perceived age of 6years after 12weeks of use. Decreased levels of H2A.J and increased expression of key dermal extracellular matrix and epidermal barrier components, including collagen and elastin, were observed in skin biopsy samples. The present study shows for the first time the potential effects of a topical growth factor-based cosmeceutical on cellular processes related to four hallmarks of aging (cellular senescence, loss of proteostasis, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intercellular communication) to help delay the aging process and restore aged skin. A+ targets the biological mechanisms underlying the aging process itself and stimulates skin regeneration, resulting in rapid and significant clinical improvements.

Combination Facial Aesthetic Treatment in Millennials.

There is growing demand for minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in the millennial population, with botulinum toxin and dermal fillers among the most popular products. To evaluate patient satisfaction and psychosocial impact of multimodal aesthetic treatment in a millennial cohort. In this single-center, prospective, rater-blinded, pilot study, 20 millennial participants received a samevisit combination facial aesthetic treatment using botulinum toxin and dermal fillers, with an optional botulinum toxin touch-up at 2 weeks. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 2 months post-treatment. The primary endpoint was change in satisfaction with overall facial appearance post-treatment. Secondary endpoints included changes in satisfaction with various facial areas, social and psychosocial functioning, self-perceived age, and blinded clinician assessment. Participants reported significantly greater satisfaction with overall facial appearance 2 months post-treatment when compared to pre-treatment (P<0.001). Participants self-reported numerous improvements in appearance, including greater satisfaction with various properties of the lips, cheeks, and overall facial lines, self-perceived age, and social and psychological functioning. Combination botulinum toxin and dermal filler treatment is a safe and effective means of improving millennial satisfaction with overall facial appearance and various facial areas, decreasing self-perceived age, and improving aspects of psychosocial functioning. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(1)37-42. doi:10.36849/JDD.6425.

Combination Facial Aesthetic Treatment in Millennials

Background: There is growing demand for minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in the millennial population, with botulinum toxin and dermal fillers among the most popular products. Objective: To evaluate patient satisfaction and psychosocial impact of multimodal aesthetic treatment in a millennial cohort. Methods and Materials: In this single-center, prospective, rater-blinded, pilot study, 20 millennial participants received a samevisit combination facial aesthetic treatment using botulinum toxin and dermal fillers, with an optional botulinum toxin touch-up at 2 weeks. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 2 months post-treatment. The primary endpoint was change in satisfaction with overall facial appearance post-treatment. Secondary endpoints included changes in satisfaction with various facial areas, social and psychosocial functioning, self-perceived age, and blinded clinician assessment. Results: Participants reported significantly greater satisfaction with overall facial appearance 2 months post-treatment when compared to pre-treatment (P<0.001). Participants self-reported numerous improvements in appearance, including greater satisfaction with various properties of the lips, cheeks, and overall facial lines, self-perceived age, and social and psychological functioning. Conclusion: Combination botulinum toxin and dermal filler treatment is a safe and effective means of improving millennial satisfaction with overall facial appearance and various facial areas, decreasing self-perceived age, and improving aspects of psychosocial functioning. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(1)37-42. doi:10.36849/JDD.6425Facial Aesthetic Treatment

Relationships of self-perceived age with geriatric assessment domains in older adults with cancer

ObjectivesOlder self-perceived age is associated with poor health and higher healthcare utilization in the geriatric population. We evaluated the associations of self-perceived age with geriatric assessment (GA) domain impairments in older adults with cancer. MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of baseline data from a GA cluster-randomized trial (URCC 13070; PI: Mohile). We included patients aged ≥70 with incurable stage III/IV solid tumor or lymphoma considering or receiving treatment and had ≥1 GA domain impairment other than polypharmacy. Multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the associations of age difference between chronological and self-perceived age (categorized into “feeling younger than chronological age” vs. “feeling the same or older than their chronological age”) with GA domain impairments. ResultsWe included 533 patients; mean age was 76.6 (SD 5.2). On multivariate analyses, compared to those who felt younger than their chronological age, those who felt the same or older were more likely to have impairments in physical performance [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 5.42, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.69–17.40)], functional status (AOR 2.31, 95% CI 1.73–3.07), comorbidity (AOR 1.62, 95% CI 1.20–2.19), psychological health (AOR 2.62, 95% CI 1.85–3.73), and nutrition (AOR 1.65, 95% CI 1.20–2.28). They were also more likely to screen positively for polypharmacy (AOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.30–2.65). ConclusionsOlder adults with cancer who felt the same or older than their chronological age were more likely to have GA domain impairments. Further studies are needed to better understand the relationships between self-perceived age, aging-related conditions, and outcomes in this population.

Challenge-Oriented Behavior Types: A New Explanation

The purpose of this study is to broaden theoretical meaning of challenge and attain a place for its practical use in schools. Based on the purpose, a theoretical construct was developed to explain four types of challenge-oriented behavior: (a) creators, (b) choosers, (c) maintainers and (d) avoiders. 634 fifth-, sixth- and seventh-grade students in Istanbul, Turkey, participated in the study. The Challenge-Oriented Behavior Scale and the Challenge-Performance Test were the main instruments. The Challenge-Oriented Behavior Scale scores were subjected to non-hierarchical cluster analyses, which revealed four profiles. To gain ecological validity of the current understanding, an alternative method, reverse-action strategy was developed. The aim was to explain how actual student performance is defined by self-perceived challenge-orientation type. To this respect, the Challenge-Performance Test scores and other factors were examined using path analysis. The findings suggest that demonstrated performance in pursuing challenges arise from past experience, academic achievement, self-perceived challenge-orientation type and age.

CONSEQUENCES OF AGE DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE

Despite a growing number of middle-aged employees in the workforce, Hong Kong still lags behind other developed countries in implementing age-friendly policies to protect older workers from being discriminated in recruitment, performance appraisal, and other personnel decisions. This paper therefore aims to investigate the effects of age discrimination on work-related outcomes and well-being. A total of 333 Hong Kong Chinese employees aged 40 years and above (Mage = 46.6 years, SD = 6.21, Range = 40-68; 60% female) completed an online survey on work experiences. Self-perceived age discrimination in the workplace (Furunes & Mykletun, 2010), perception of occupational future time (Ho & Yeung, 2017; Zacher & Frese, 2009), work engagement (Schaufeli et al., 2017), work stress (Cohen et al., 1983), and psychological distress (Shek, 1989) were measured. Almost 53% of the participants reported that older workers were less likely to get the same training opportunity for new technology as their younger peers, and 46.8% perceived that older workers did not get the same promotion opportunity as their younger peers. Regression analyses further revealed that employees’ perceived age discrimination in the workplace indirectly influenced their levels of work engagement (B = -.038, SE = .017), work stress (B = .016, SE = .005), and psychological distress (B = .008, SE = .005) through perception of occupational future time. The findings of this study unveil the severity of workplace age discrimination in Hong Kong and the negative impacts of age discrimination on work-related outcomes. Recommendations for organizational practices will be discussed.

The difference between self-perceived and chronological age in the elderly may correlate with general health, personality and the practice of good health behavior: A cross-sectional study

Background and objectiveFor the elderly, maintaining a young self-perceived age has a positive impact on physical and mental health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the discrepancy between self-perceived age and chronological age in regards to physical activity, instrumental activities of daily living, functional capacity, personality, general self-efficacy, depressive symptoms, and disease burden. MethodsParticipants were 3094 older adults from 2015 baseline data of the Keeping Active across Generations Uniting the Youth and the Aged study. The questionnaire was mailed to 8004 elderly people aged 65 years or older. Of the 3871 people who returned the questionnaire (collection rate, 48.3%), 3094 subjects were analyzed in this study (female, 52%). The questionnaire included aspects of physical activity, instrumental activity of daily living, functional capacity, personality traits, general self-efficacy, depressive symptoms, history of falls, fear of falling, communication with young people, medical history, and self-perceived age, as well as basic characteristics such as age, sex, living alone or not, and educational history. ResultsRegression analysis showed that the presence of high self-rated health, personality traits of extraversion and openness to experience, higher general self-efficacy, and the presence of fear of falling were positively associated with a younger self-perceived age. ConclusionsThe results identified personality and psychological factors related to of self-perceived age in community-dwelling elderly people. Therefore, changes in personality traits and subjective health accompanying aging affect the self-perceived age, which may also affect the extension of healthy life expectancy.

Why do I feel younger? – A critical view on cognitive age and IT adoption

The concept of cognitive age refers to people’s tendency to view themselves as younger than they really are. Especially among elderly people this phenomenon is exceptionally strong. There have been few studies which investigated differences among elderly people concerning their self-perceived age in the context of IT adoption. However, to date it is not quite sure where the cognitive age originates from. This research focuses on justifications for the cognitive age to identify on which basis elderlies estimate their cognitive age. 8 seniors with various backgrounds were interviewed in southern Germany. The results show that seniors rather already have a rough estimation of their cognitive age, which does not necessarily is a sum of distinct dimensions as suggested by the literature.

Sense of place and mental wellness amongst African immigrants in Canada

ABSTRACTThis study examines the effects of self-perceived mental wellness and other socio-economic variables on sense of place amongst Ghanaian and Somali immigrants living in Hamilton, Ontario. Research results are based on the analysis of survey questionnaires (n = 236) of Ghanaian and Somali immigrant adults, with recent (0–5 years), mid-term (6–10 years), and long-term (more than 10 years) residency in Canada. Our findings revealed several significant factors of sense of place, including self-perceived mental wellness, income, age, employment, citizenship status, marital status, dwelling type, and length of residency in Canada. The findings highlight the need for research to incorporate sense of place into studies on visible minority immigrants and to focus on those factors contributing to place attachment amongst recent immigrants.

Self-Perceived Age: Convergence across Contexts and Future Directions.

Self-Perceived Age: Convergence across Contexts and Future Directions.

Relationship between Self-Perceived Age and Social Activity in Older Japanese Adults: The KAGUYA Study

Youthful feelings were shown to have a positive effect on the mental and physical conditions of the elderly. On the contrary, elderly people whose self-perceived age is older than their chronological age were shown to experience negative health outcomes. This study investigated whether the self-perceived age (younger or older) relative to chronological age promotes social activity. The baseline data acquired from 3094 older adults as part of the Keeping Active across Generations Uniting the Youth and the Aged study was used in the current study. The participants completed a questionnaire that solicits information pertaining to sociodemographic factors, felt age, self-rated health, physical activity, depression, disease burden, fall history, fear of falling, level of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and social activity. The discrepancy between felt age and chronological age was defined as the self-perceived age. Self-perceived age was calculated by subtracting the participant’s chronological age from the felt age, and the score for the difference was divided by the chronological age. The Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence was used to evaluate social activity. Regression analysis results revealed that a younger self-perceived age was associated with higher social activity after controlling for sociodemographic factors, self-rated health, depression, physical activity, disease burden, level of IADL, fall history and fear of falling. Fall history was significantly associated with higher social activity in young-old participants (65 - 74 years) (p = 0.014) but not in old-old participants (>75 years). This study suggests that a younger self-perceived age in older adults would lead to a high-level living function. This finding may provide useful information for interventions aimed at the promotion of health and/or the prevention of frailty.

Chronological age vs. cognitive age: an examination of lifecycle and gender differences

The current study examines the concept of self-perceived age in the Middle Eastern market through the use of the cognitive age construct. The results of a survey of 613 respondents in the Kuwait market reveal that the five-item cognitive age measure scored 0.949 on Cronbach's coefficient alpha, which is indicative of a reliable variable. The results also indicate that the differences between chronological age and cognitive age vary across lifecycle age groups. Specifically, Kuwaiti consumers overall tend to perceive their cognitive ages to be below their actual chronological ages, and this pattern becomes stronger as consumers get older. The analyses also find that age differences exist by gender. Men under the age of 25 in the Kuwait market perceive themselves to be almost four years older than their actual chronological ages. The study suggests that the cognitive age construct might be a useful segmentation variable in the Middle Eastern market.

A Grounded Theory Investigation into the Psychosexual Unmet Needs of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors.

For many adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer, psychosexual well-being is compromised due to the onset of illness at a vulnerable stage of sexual development. To date, prior studies have focused on the psychosexual well-being of older adult survivors, largely ignoring AYAs. Furthermore, the few studies investigating AYA psychosexual well-being have been prematurely quantitative in nature, limited by a lack of in-depth exploration regarding the unique psychosexual experiences of AYA survivors. Qualitative research is required to better identify and understand the unique complexities surrounding psychosexual needs among AYAs with cancer. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 AYA cancer survivors (aged 15-45 years at the time of diagnosis). Transcripts were coded using a grounded theory methodology. Constant comparison data analysis gave rise to the Pathways to Problems model, denoting the pathways to psychosexual unmet needs among AYA survivors. Participants experienced identity conflict, whereby an incongruity occurred between their chronological age and their self-perceived age. The experience of identity conflict, combined with changes to intimate relationships, shifts in priorities, physicians' assumptions, and inadequate support, contributed to the onset of psychosexual unmet needs. Six areas of psychosexual unmet needs were identified: fertility concerns, sexual communication, dealing with side effects, dating and disclosure, relating to other AYAs, and reconciling identity conflict. The present findings provide evidence for shared and unique psychosexual unmet needs among AYA survivors. Practical implications include the need for validation and incorporation of unique AYA unmet needs into screening tools and care plans, as well as peer support.

An Investigation of Chronological Versus Cognitive Age Impact in the Kuwait Coffee Shop Market

Given the growing body of research dedicated to self-perceived age and the cognitive age construct, it is widely believed that one’s self-perceived age may actually be a better predictor of age-related psychological states or attitudes than mere chronological age. Extending the research on cognitive age, the current study examines the impact of both cognitive age and traditional chronological age on the behaviors of coffee shop users in Kuwait. The study finds that chronological age and cognitive age are highly correlated, both in age levels and in terms of consumer behavior. Nevertheless, a large portion of the sample perceived themselves to be younger than their chronological age. This is especially true of consumers aged 55 and over. The main findings that differentiate chronological age from cognitive age are that as Kuwaiti consumers become chronologically older, coffee drinks become more important to them. Also, as cognitive age increases, consumers are less likely to drink coffee with friends.

Baby Boomers of different nations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate self-perceived age among Baby Boomers in the UK, Germany, Japan, and Hungary, and identifies two horizontal segments based on the way consumers view their age. Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaires were used to sample 880 Baby Boomers. Structural equation modeling is used to investigate multinational measurement invariance of the cognitive age scale. Findings – Two distinct segments are identified, providing support for a young-at-heart consumer culture in all nations in the study. Results also find cognitive age to exhibit partial measurement invariance, which is expected given the disparate nations under study. Research limitations/implications – This research contributes to cross-cultural global age research which is still in an early pioneering stage. The study builds on a small number of previous studies that validate cognitive age, extends current knowledge of the measurement properties of cognitive age, and identifies two distinct interna...

Feeling old vs being old: associations between self-perceived age and mortality.

Feeling old vs being old: associations between self-perceived age and mortality.

Self-perceptions of age among 292 chemotherapy-treated cancer patients: Exploring associations with symptoms and survival

A growing literature suggests that older individuals who report feeling younger than their actual chronological age enjoy better health and survival. The purpose of this study was to explore similar associations in patients with cancer. Chemotherapy-treated cancer patients completed a previously-validated questionnaire item on their self-perception of age. Concurrent patient-reported number of symptoms and pain severity were recorded. In addition, baseline and longitudinal data captured demographics and vital status, respectively. Among 292 patients, 185 (63%) reported that they perceived themselves as younger than their actual age, 45 as older (15%), and 56 (19%) as the same age (unable to be determined in 6). The mean actual chronological age (standard deviation) among those who perceived themselves as younger, older, or the same age was 63 years (11), 54 (12), and 60 (10); (p < 0.0001). An inverse relationship was observed between self-perceived age and actual age (odds ratio 1.05 with 95% confidence interval of 1.02, 1.07; p = 0.0001) but, otherwise, no statistically significant relationships were observed with gender, cancer curability potential, number of symptoms, or pain severity. Improved survival was associated with fewer symptoms and the potential for curing the cancer, but not with patients' age perceptions. Qualitative themes such as positive thinking, staying engaged with life, the importance of family, and maintaining a sense of humor emerged among those who felt younger. A substantial percentage of patients with cancer – particularly older ones – report feeling younger than their actual age; this perception appears to have no relevance to symptoms or survival.