Self-perceptions of aging and memory in later life: the social pathways

This study examined the association of self-perceptions of aging (SPA) and memory trajectories and the mediating role of social connections in their association.

Data from 4,808 adults aged 65+ were drawn from the Health and Retirement Study (2008-2018). Latent growth curve modeling was used to examine the effects of positive and negative SPA on the intercept and slope of memory trajectories across 3 time points over 8 years. Direct and indirect effects of SPA on memory trajectories through social disconnectedness and loneliness were estimated.

Both positive and negative SPA had indirect effects on the intercept of memory trajectories through loneliness but not social disconnectedness. Specifically, higher positive and negative SPA at Time 1 were linked to lower and greater loneliness at Time 2, respectively. T2 loneliness, in turn, was negatively associated with memory at Time 3. Additionally, negative SPA at baseline had direct effects on memory scores at Time 3.

Findings suggest that loneliness is a pathway via which positive and negative SPA influence memory. Interventions to reduce loneliness could be a way to mitigate the effects of SPA on memory in later life. The direct and indirect effects of negative SPA on memory suggest that negative aging stereotypes are powerful and have long-lasting impacts on cognitive function. Demystifying and reframing aging can produce positive cognitive benefits at the population and individual levels.