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Future time perspective in later adulthood: review and research directions
Experimental Aging Research
|February 1, 1979
Summary
Older adults may experience a less extended future outlook, though basic future orientation remains stable. Further research is needed to understand the functional impact and causal relationships of these temporal changes in later life.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Investigating temporal experiences in older adults is crucial.
- Existing research primarily uses cross-sectional designs, limiting understanding of changes over time.
- A psychological focus is taken to review current literature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey and synthesize existing literature on older adults' temporal experiences.
- To identify gaps in empirical knowledge regarding future time perspective in later life.
- To propose directions for future research in this area.
Main Methods:
- Literature review with a psychological focus.
- Analysis of studies on older adults' future time orientation.
- Examination of correlates and potential causal relationships in temporal perspective.
Main Results:
- Basic future time orientation is generally unaffected in older adults.
- Older adults are at risk for a less extended and less full personal future.
- Current empirical knowledge on the functional impact of these changes is minimal.
Conclusions:
- While correlates of future time perspective exist, causal relationships are undetermined.
- Research is needed using prospective designs and exploring time perspective as a predictor/outcome.
- Integrating temporal concepts from social gerontology is recommended for future studies.