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Positive Expectations Regarding Aging Linked to More New Friends in Later Life

Author

Listed:
  • Josephine A Menkin
  • Theodore F Robles
  • Tara L Gruenewald
  • Elizabeth K Tanner
  • Teresa E Seeman

Abstract

ObjectivesNegative perceptions of aging can be self-fulfilling prophecies, predicting worse cognitive and physical outcomes. Although older adults are portrayed as either lonely curmudgeons or perfect grandparents, little research addresses how perceptions of aging relate to social outcomes. We considered whether more positive expectations about aging encourage older adults to maintain or bolster their social network connections and support.MethodThis study examined baseline, 12-, and 24-month questionnaire data from the Baltimore Experience Corps Trial, a longitudinal randomized volunteer intervention for adults aged 60 years and older. The associations between expectations regarding aging and different types of social support were tested using negative binomial and multiple regression models controlling for relevant covariates such as baseline levels of perceived support availability.ResultsParticipants with more positive expectations at baseline made more new friends 2 years later and had greater overall perceived support availability 12 months later. Notably, only participants with at least average perceived support availability at baseline showed an association between expectations and later support availability.DiscussionThese results are the first to link overall expectations regarding aging to the social domain and suggest that the influence of perceptions of aging is not limited to physical or cognitive function.

Suggested Citation

  • Josephine A Menkin & Theodore F Robles & Tara L Gruenewald & Elizabeth K Tanner & Teresa E Seeman, 2017. "Positive Expectations Regarding Aging Linked to More New Friends in Later Life," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 72(5), pages 771-781.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:geronb:v:72:y:2017:i:5:p:771-781.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/geronb/gbv118
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    Cited by:

    1. Anna E. Kornadt & Eva-Marie Kessler & Susanne Wurm & Catherine E. Bowen & Martina Gabrian & Verena Klusmann, 2020. "Views on ageing: a lifespan perspective," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 17(4), pages 387-401, December.
    2. Frauke Meyer-Wyk & Susanne Wurm, 2024. "The role of social network diversity in self-perceptions of aging in later life," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 1-15, December.

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