Positive age stereotypes predict longevity among older adults

Abstract

  Socially constructed stereotypes toward aging tend to be internalized by older individuals and influence their behavior and experiences. Using 19-year longitudinal data, this study examined whether having positive age stereotypes could predict longevity among older adults. Results showed that older adults with more positive age stereotypes lived 4 years longer than those with less positive age stereotypes. The association between the positive age stereotypes and survival remained significant after controlling for age, gender, education, instrumental activities of daily living, number of diseases, and subjective health. These results supported our hypothesis: positive age stereotypes predict longevity among older adults. Mechanisms underlying this association between stereotypes toward aging and survival should be further investigated.