Optimism and Confidence May Be Key to Aging Successfully

Previous studies have found that people with positive views of aging tend to live 7.5 years longer and may enjoy better health as they age. According to a recent study, middle-aged people who are more optimistic and have a higher confidence in aging successfully have a more positive self-perception of aging.

Participants in the study included 244 middle-aged and mature adults. The researchers used questionnaires to evaluate participants’ self-perception of aging and level of optimism. They used surveys to evaluate participants’ confidence they will become the person they want to be as they age. 

Higher levels of optimism were associated with more positive self-perceptions of aging. In addition, participants with higher confidence they will achieve what they want as they age and that they will avoid becoming unhappy as they age had more positive self-perceptions of aging.

The study was conducted by researchers from Oregon State University.It was published online ahead of print on December 28, 2020 in the International Journal of Aging and Human Development.