Awareness of Age-Related Change as a Behavioral Determinant of Survival Time in Very Old Age

Roman Kaspar · Hans‐Werner Wahl · Manfred K. Diehl

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Aging and Gerontology Research Aging, Health, and Disability Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms

Abstract

Although research on the association between subjective views of aging (VOA) and survival is scarce, more negative VOA have been found to be associated with increased all-cause mortality, even after controlling for possible confounders. Longitudinal studies on the predictive association of VOA with survival in individuals aged 80 years or older are, however, very limited. Thus, the aim of this study was to link adults' awareness of age-related change (AARC), a multidimensional measure of adults' subjective VOA, to survival time across a 3.5-year observation interval in advanced old age. To put the AARC construct in context, the study also considered related psychosocial concepts (i.e., perceived control and appraisal of life) essential for coping with late-life challenges as potential behavioral predictors of longevity. Data came from a representative panel study that included persons living in community and institutional settings. A total of 1,863 interviews were conducted at wave 1. This study used meta-data from wave 2 fieldwork 2 years after the initial assessment and death records obtained during panel maintenance after 3.5 years to estimate determinants of survival. Results showed that loss-related VOA indicated increased risk to survival, whereas gain-related VOA were predictive of longer survival. Both perceived age-related losses and perceived age-related gains exerted a significant independent effect on late-life mortality over and above socio-demographic background characteristics, perceived control, engagement with life, as well as health status. These findings suggest that the multidimensional examination of very old adults' VOA may help to better understand successful longevity in the Fourth Age.

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2022Subjective views of aging in very old age: Predictors of 2-year change in gains and losses.2022Awareness of age-related change in the context of major life events 2022What will you do with all that time? Changes in leisure activities after retirement are determined by age-related self-views and preparation 2022Awareness of Age-Related Changes Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Longitudinal Trajectories, and the Role of Age Stereotypes and Personality Traits

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