[Future time perspectives of the elderly; an empirical study rooted in theory]

Which factors other than age play a role in the future time perspective of elderly people? In the literature no consensus exists on these factors. Besides, the usual approach of future time perspective as 'extension' seems limited and less suited for elderly people. Therefore, in this study the future time perspective is defined and measured as the expectation of the future with respect to new or enduring possibilities (a positive perspective) or increasing restrictions (a negative perspective). The role of 'a sense of control'--by some authors emphasized as an important factor in the future time perspective--is elaborated under the concept of 'competence belief'. Based on a theoretical framework, an elaboration of the antecedents of the future time perspective of elderly people is suggested. This led to specific expectations, which are empirically tested in a group of 4792 elderly of age 57 years and over. The results show that age indeed has an in-fluence on the future time perspective of elderly, but resources play a relatively larger role than age. This holds especially for vitality, social contact and affection, and to a lesser degree for income and activity. Also the expected positive relationship between competence belief was controlled for. The main conclusion is that elderly people show a more positive view towards the future, the more vitality, social contacts and affection they have, and the more they believe themselves associated to be competent.