An Investigation into the Relationship Between Perceptions of Aging and Cognitive Engagement

Abstract

James D Cully, Mike Murphy

The stereotype embodiment theory suggests that as we enter older adulthood we internalize our feelings about aging. This study explored the association between perceptions of aging and cognitive engagement, which is associated with a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease; it also examined the relationship between age and perceptions of aging. Participants (154) aged between 50 and 75 with a mean age of 64.77 (SD = 6.85) completed validated questionnaires that measured perceptions of aging, level of cognitive activity, depressive symptoms and demographic items. Confounding variables were controlled for. Data were analyzed using bivariate analyses and hierarchal linear regression. A weak association between age and perceptions of aging was identified. Greater engagement in cognitive activities was predicted by more positive perceptions of aging. Age and sex were also found to be significantly related to level of cognitive engagement, with older people and females having a lifestyle higher in cognitive activities. There are no previous publications examining the association between a person’s perception of aging and the level of cognitive pastimes in later life. This study suggests that how one feels about aging may have an important role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle high in cognitive activities in older adulthood.

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