The relationship between attitudes to aging and physical and mental health in older adults

International Psychogeriatrics - Tập 24 Số 10 - Trang 1674-1683 - 2012
Christina Bryant1,2, Bei Bei1,2, Kim-Michelle Gilson1,2, Angela Komiti1,3, Henry J. Jackson2, Fiona Judd1,3
1Centre for Women's Mental Health, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
2Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
3Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Tóm tắt

ABSTRACTBackground: Attitudes are known to exert a powerful influence on a range of behaviors. The objective of this study was to investigate the contribution of attitudes toward one's own aging to satisfaction with life and physical and mental health measured in a sample of community-dwelling older adults.Methods: Adults who were part of a larger study of health and well-being in rural and regional Australia aged ≥60 years (N = 421) completed a cross-sectional postal survey comprising the Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire, the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale.Results: Overall, attitudes to aging were positive in this sample. More positive attitudes to aging were associated with higher levels of satisfaction with life, better self-report physical and mental health on the SF-12, and lower levels of anxiety and depression, after controlling for confounding variables. Better financial status and being employed were both associated with more positive attitudes to aging and better self-reported physical health. Relationship status was also significantly associated with mental health and satisfaction with life, but not physical health.Conclusion: The promotion of successful aging is increasingly becoming important in aging societies. Having positive attitudes to aging may contribute to healthier mental and physical outcomes in older adults. Overcoming negative stereotypes of aging through change at the societal and individual level may help to promote more successful aging.

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International Psychogeriatrics

Tập 24 Số 10

1674-1683

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