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Longevity increased by positive self-perceptions of aging.

Becca R Levy1, Martin D Slade, Suzanne R Kunkel

  • 1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8034, USA. becca.levy@yale.edu

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|August 2, 2002
PubMed
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Positive self-perceptions of aging can significantly increase longevity. Individuals with a more optimistic outlook on aging lived 7.5 years longer, demonstrating a powerful link between mindset and lifespan.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Psychology of Aging
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Societal stereotypes about aging can negatively impact older adults' health.
  • Self-perceptions of aging are a critical factor influencing health outcomes in later life.
  • Previous research indicates a correlation between psychological factors and longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the long-term impact of self-perceptions of aging on longevity.
  • To determine if the relationship between positive self-perceptions and lifespan persists after controlling for covariates.
  • To explore the mediating role of the will to live in this relationship.

Main Methods:

  • Survival analysis was conducted on data from 660 older adults (aged 50+) from the Ohio Longitudinal Study of Aging and Retirement (OLSAR).

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  • OLSAR data was linked with mortality data from the National Death Index for comprehensive survival analysis.
  • Covariates included age, gender, socioeconomic status, loneliness, and functional health.

    • Main Results:

    • Individuals with positive self-perceptions of aging lived 7.5 years longer than those with negative self-perceptions.
    • This longevity advantage remained significant even after accounting for age, gender, socioeconomic status, loneliness, and functional health.
    • The will to live partially mediated the positive effect of self-perceptions of aging on longevity.

    Conclusions:

    • Positive self-perceptions of aging are a significant predictor of increased longevity.
    • Interventions aimed at improving self-perceptions of aging may have a positive impact on lifespan.
    • These findings highlight the influence of internalized stereotypes on health and longevity in older populations.