| dc.description.abstract | Past research indicates that as individuals age, they begin to perceive themselves
as subjectively younger than their chronological ages (Linn & Hunter, 1979; Montepare
& Lachman, 1989; Staats, 1996). The present study examined four classes of predictors
of chronological-subjective age discrepancies in both older and younger adults, ages 21
to 95: (1) psychological, four sources of self-efficacy, self-esteem, and life satisfaction;
(2) ageist stereotypes', (3) health factors, the number of health conditions, exercise
(perceived & objective measures) and perceived health, and; (4) demographic
characteristics, gender, chronological age, retirement status and marital status.
Discrepancies between chronological and subjective age were investigated using a
modified version of the Cognitive Age Scale items of feel-age and look-age. Contrary to
prediction the psychological variables were not the strongest predictors of chronological-subjective
age discrepancies. Perceived health and perceived activity predicted feel-age
discrepancies, whereas perceived activity and self-efficacy (mastery experiences),
predicted look-age discrepancies. Supplementary analyses indicated that all age groups
reported feeling younger than their chronological ages and that there were psychological
benefits associated with feeling subjectively younger. | |
