Ageism and Self-Perception of Ageing: Psychosocial Predictors of Attitudes Towards Ageing

Abstract

Ageism-encompassing stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination across age groups-affects how individuals perceive and experience their own ageing. This study, based on a large sample (N = 1047), compared three age cohorts and explored intra-group variability among older adults (65-75 vs. ≥76 years). Results indicated that attitudes towards ageing were influenced by life stage, knowledge about ageing, perceived ageism, and internalised stereotypes. Participants aged 65-75 years showed more favourable attitudes, greater knowledge, and better emotional wellbeing compared to the ≥76 group, which exhibited higher hostile ageism and lower psychological wellbeing. A forward stepwise logistic regression (explained 35.9% of the variance) identified five predictors of a positive self-perception of ageing: lower perceived age discrimination; generally positive attitudinal profile; endorsement of benevolent stereotypes; absence of hostile ageism; and belonging to the 65-75 group. The findings highlighted the psychosocial complexity of ageing and call for interventions promoting positive ageing and reducing ageism.

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