Intersecting identities and diverging views of aging among older adults: a longitudinal study of race, gender, and...

Older adults' self-perceptions of aging (SPA), whether positive or negative, are critical predictors of health and well-being. While previous studies have examined racial/ethnic or gender differences in SPA, few have adopted an intersectionality perspective that considers how multiple marginalized identities jointly shape these perceptions. This study examined positive and negative SPA across intersecting racial/ethnic and gender subgroups of older adults.

Data were drawn from three waves (2008/2010, 2012/2014, 2016/2018) of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Participants aged 65 and older who completed the Leave Behind Questionnaire were included (T1 n = 9,275; T2 n = 6,371; T3 n = 3,827). Random-effects panel regression models were used to assess differences in SPA across race/ethnicity × gender subgroups, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, physical and social functioning, perceived discrimination, and sense of control.

Compared to non-Hispanic White men, all racial/ethnic minority subgroups reported significantly more positive SPA. For negative SPA, non-Hispanic Black men and women reported significantly lower levels, while Hispanic men reported significantly higher levels. No significant differences in negative SPA were found for Hispanic women or non-Hispanic White women, relative to non-Hispanic White men.

Distinct patterns in SPA across intersecting identities highlight the need for targeted, culturally informed interventions. Programs that address aging-related identity shifts-especially among Hispanic men and non-Hispanic White men-may reduce negative SPA and promote psychological resilience. Embedding intersectionality into intervention design is essential to advancing equity in aging and well-being.