On the Meaning of Aging and Ageism: Why Culture Matters

2021 ◽  
Vol 90 (2) ◽  
pp. 140-154
Author(s):  
Caroline D. Bergeron ◽  
Martine Lagacé
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Age Discrimination ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Cultural Groups ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
South Asian Indian ◽  
Shed Light

Like any form of discrimination, ageism does not exist in a void; it is expressed through cultural values and social beliefs. Some studies show that ageism intersects with other discriminatory attitudes, including those based on race or culture, leading to negative outcomes. However, the way older individuals, who are members of diverse cultural groups, experience and acknowledge age-based discrimination and react to ageist stereotypes may also be culturally dependent. The purpose of this paper is to further explore perceptions of aging and ageism among cultural groups of older adults in Canada. Findings from group discussions conducted among Chinese, Arab, and South Asian Indian older adults reveal that seniors living in Canada share relatively positive perceptions of aging and maintain their physical and psychological well-being, in part, because of their family and community engagement. Participants highlighted the respect that is offered to older adults in their culture and, in most cases, were grateful for their families and the policies supporting older adults in Canada. While participants were often not familiar with the term “ageism,” they had experienced a few instances of age discrimination, especially in the workplace. Results suggest that participants’ identities as older people may prevail over identities related to culture. As Canada’s society ages and becomes more diverse, these findings shed light on how culture influences the experience of aging and ageism.

scholarly journals Older HIV+ and HIV− Adults Provide Similar Definitions of Successful Aging: A Mixed-Methods Examination

2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 385-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pariya L Fazeli ◽  
Jessica L Montoya ◽  
Chastity N McDavid ◽  
David J Moore
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
General Health ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Neurocognitive Impairment ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Demographic Correlates ◽  
Biological Health ◽  
Design And Methods

Abstract Background and Objective As HIV-infected (HIV+) individuals age, there is a need to understand successful aging (SA) from the patient perspective. This study compared SA definitions between HIV+ and HIV-uninfected (HIV−) older adults and then examined correlates of SA categories. Research Design and Methods Ninety-three HIV+ and 46 HIV− older (aged 50+) adults provided brief definitions of SA, which was examined using content analysis. We then compared the frequency of SA categories by serostatus and examined the correlates of SA categories within both groups. Results Seven SA categories emerged: General Health, Cognitive Health & Ability, Physical/Biological Health & Ability, Social Relationships, Attitudes, Psychological, & Emotional Well-Being, Proactive & Engaged Lifestyle, and Independence. While no significant differences emerged, HIV− older adults were more likely to report General Health and the subcategory of Longevity/Survival, while HIV+ older adults were more likely to report subcategories of Enjoying Life & Fulfillment and Maintaining Balance. Few demographic correlates of SA categories emerged. Mood and HIV characteristics were not associated with SA categories. In both groups, those without neurocognitive impairment were significantly more likely to endorse General Health than those with neurocognitive impairment. Discussion and Implications HIV+ and HIV− older individuals may generally perceive SA similarly, and their definitions parallel with existing models of SA. Yet, living with a chronic illness may cause HIV+ older adults to place greater value on quality of life and life satisfaction than physical health and chronological age. Observational and intervention studies may use similar approaches in evaluating and maximizing SA.

scholarly journals Feeling younger and identifying with older adults: Testing two routes to maintaining well-being in the face of age discrimination

PLoS ONE ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. e0187805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bibiana M. Armenta ◽  
Katherine Stroebe ◽  
Susanne Scheibe ◽  
Tom Postmes ◽  
Nico W. Van Yperen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Age Discrimination ◽  
The Face

Takes Two to Tango: Cognitive Impairment and Sexual Activity in Older Individuals and Dyads

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda J Waite ◽  
James Iveniuk ◽  
Ashwin Kotwal
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Sexual Activity ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Probit Regression ◽  
Early Dementia

Abstract Objectives This paper examines the association between cognitive impairment, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early dementia (ED), and sexual activity in a large, longitudinal sample of community-dwelling older adults. We focus here on sexual activity, which includes both sexual activity with a partner and masturbation. Methods We analyzed 3777 older individuals and members of 955 intimate dyads using the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (2010 and 2015). We used ordered-probit regression, cross-lagged panels models, and probit regression. Results We find that older adults with cognitive limitations, either MCI or early dementia, are about as likely to be sexually active with a partner as those with normal cognitive function. This is the case both in the cross section and longitudinally. Both men and women with early dementia are less likely to have masturbated, however. Among married and cohabiting couples, we find no association between cognitive impairment in either the husband, the wife, or in both partners and their joint sexual activity. Women whose measured cognitive function is lower than their husband’s are less likely to report any masturbation. Discussion Sex with a partner, a fundamentally social activity, seems to be conserved in the face of cognitive limitation but masturbation, a solitary activity, does not. We argue that the intimate dyad plays an important role in conserving partnered sexual activity. Results can inform strategies to maintain sexual well-being of older adults with cognitive impairment and their partners as part of overall strategies to improve quality of life.

scholarly journals Perceived Income Adequacy and Well-being Among Older Adults in Six Low- and Middle-Income Countries

2016 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 516-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theresa E Gildner ◽  
Melissa A Liebert ◽  
Benjamin D Capistrant ◽  
Catherine D’Este ◽  
J Josh Snodgrass ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Income Adequacy ◽  
Perceived Income Adequacy ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Objectives Perceived income adequacy is positively associated with self-rated health (SRH) and quality of life (QOL) among adults in higher-income countries. Additionally, older individuals often report higher levels of income adequacy. However, it is unclear if these associations, documented primarily in high-income countries, are also evident across economically and culturally distinctive low- and middle-income countries. Methods Data were drawn from the World Health Organization’s Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE), a study of adults aged 50 years or older in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, the Russian Federation, and South Africa. Smaller samples of younger adults (18–49 years) were included for comparison purposes. Participants reported income adequacy, SRH, and QOL. Associations between age and income adequacy and between income adequacy and SRH/QOL were examined using country-specific logistic regression analysis. Results Older adults in China and Russia were more likely to report better income adequacy than their 18- to 49-year-old counterparts; however, the opposite was observed in Ghana and India. SRH and QOL improved as income adequacy increased in all countries. Discussion As expected, income adequacy was correlated with SRH and QOL. However, the relationship between age and income adequacy varied cross-culturally, potentially due to differences in familial and governmental financial support.

Understanding the mechanisms underlying the effects of negative age stereotypes and perceived age discrimination on older adults’ well-being

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (12) ◽  
pp. 1666-1673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manon Marquet ◽  
Alison L. Chasteen ◽  
Jason E. Plaks ◽  
Laksmiina Balasubramaniam
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Age Discrimination ◽  
Age Stereotypes ◽  
Perceived Age

Volunteering, Self-Perceptions of Aging, and Mental Health in Later Life

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng Huo ◽  
Lisa M Soederberg Miller ◽  
Kyungmin Kim ◽  
Siwei Liu
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Panel Model ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
Design And Methods

Abstract Background and Objectives Scholars argue that volunteering enhances social, physical, and cognitive activities that are increasingly valued as people age, which in turn improves older adults’ well-being via a host of psychosocial and neurobiological mechanisms. This study explicitly tested older adults’ self-perceptions of aging as a mechanism underlying the mental health benefits of volunteering. Research Design and Methods Using 2-wave data from the Health and Retirement Study (2008/2010 for Wave 1 and 2012/2014 for Wave 2), we analyzed reports from a pooled sample of older adults aged 65 or older (N = 9,017). Participants reported on demographic characteristics, volunteer work (did not volunteer, 1–99 h/year, 100+ h/year), self-perceptions of aging, and depressive symptoms. We estimated an autoregressive cross-lagged panel model. Results Volunteering for 100 h or more per year was associated with older adults’ more positive and less negative self-perceptions of aging in the subsequent wave (i.e., 4 years later), which in turn predicted fewer depressive symptoms. Discussion and Implications This study suggests the promising role of volunteering in shaping older adults’ self-perceptions of aging on a sustained basis and refines our understanding of the benefits volunteering brings. Findings shed light on future interventions aimed at improving older adults’ adjustment to age-related changes and lessening ageism in society.

Older Adults’ Self-Perceptions of Aging and Being Older: A Scoping Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 60 (7) ◽  
pp. e524-e534
Author(s):  
Simone Hausknecht ◽  
Lee-Fay Low ◽  
Kate O’Loughlin ◽  
Justin McNab ◽  
Lindy Clemson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Age ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Aging Body ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
Design And Methods

Abstract Background and Objectives Older adults’ self-perceptions of aging and being older can influence well-being and quality of life. This systematic scoping review aimed to map out current research on older adults’ self-perceptions of aging and being older. Research Design and Methods The scoping review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework. A total of 5,037 records were identified (duplicates removed). After screening, a final 148 papers were included. Descriptives, including year of publication, methodology, age, gender, and location of participants, were calculated. Thematic analyses were conducted examining ways in which the topic was conceptualized. Results The most frequent method used in the research was quantitative. Participants were from 38 different countries. There were more female participants than male. Seven themes representing the main research emphasis emerged: attitudes towards one’s own aging (n = 48), aging well (n = 23), aging stereotypes, self-stigma (n = 23), construction of aging identities (n = 22), subjective age (n = 18), the aging body (n = 8), and future self-views (n = 6). Discussion and Implications The research within these themes approach self-perceptions of aging using varying points of reference for what participants compare their age to. The methods used to illicit aging perspectives held their own assumptions about aging.

scholarly journals Perceived Ageism During the Covid-19-Crisis Is Longitudinally Related to Subjective Perceptions of Aging

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna E. Kornadt ◽  
Isabelle Albert ◽  
Martine Hoffmann ◽  
Elke Murdock ◽  
Josepha Nell
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Subjective Age ◽  
Current Crisis ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Measurement Occasion ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
Longitudinal Regression

Ageism in media and society has increased sharply during the Covid-19-crisis, with expected negative consequences for the health and well-being of older adults. The current study investigates whether perceived ageism during the crisis longitudinally affects how people perceive their own aging. In June 2020, N = 611 older adults from Luxembourg [aged 60–98 years, Mage(SD) = 69.92(6.97)] participated in a survey on their perception of the crisis. In October 2020, N = 523 participated in a second measurement occasion. Participants reported on perceived ageism during the crisis in different domains, their self-perceptions of aging and subjective age. In latent longitudinal regression models, we predicted views on aging at T2 with perceived ageism at T1, while controlling for baseline views on aging and covariates. Perceived ageism at T1 increased self-perceptions of aging as social loss and yielded a trend for physical decline, while there were no effects on subjective age and self-perceptions of aging as continued growth. Views on aging are powerful predictors of well-being and health outcomes in later life. Our data suggest that being the target of ageism during the crisis negatively affects older adults' self-perceptions of aging and this impact may be felt beyond the current crisis.

scholarly journals Psychological Impacts and Implications of Aging During a Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 545-545
Author(s):  
Joseph Mikels ◽  
Laura Carstensen ◽  
Susan Charles
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Ongoing Work ◽  
Psychological Impacts ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Mental Well Being

Abstract Despite numerous losses associated with advanced age, older adults typically fare better than their younger counterparts in terms of psychological well-being. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately threatened the physical and mental well-being of older adults. How have older versus younger adults been doing? The goal of our symposium is to shed light on this question though presentations of intriguing research findings regarding the psychological impacts of the pandemic on older adults. Stone and Mak will describe their work examining momentary changes in affect, activities, locations, and social interactions over time during the first several months of the pandemic for older individuals. Mikels and colleagues will report on completed and ongoing work illuminating the complex ways in which certain older adults have been faring well during the pandemic, whereas others not so much, with attention to underlying factors. Jeste will discuss a diverse line of research that has examined the relationships between loneliness, social isolation, and compassion in older adults before and during the pandemic. Chi and Carstensen will report on completed and ongoing research that links work and prosocial behavior to wellbeing with consideration of associated age differences. Collectively, these presentations will describe the complex and multifaceted psychological impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on older individuals, revealing the multiple ways in which they are resilient as well as vulnerable.

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