How old you are definitely matters, but beyond that it is your interpretation of your age that has far-reaching implications for the process of aging, say the researchers, adding that if you feel old beyond your own chronological years you are probably going to experience a lot of the downsides that we associate with aging. On the other hand, if you are older and maintain a sense of being younger, then that gives you an edge in maintaining a lot of the abilities you prize.
The researchers at Purdue compared people's chronological age and their subjective age to determine which one has a greater influence on cognitive abilities during older adulthood. Nearly 500 people aged 55-74 were surveyed about aging in 1995 and 2005 as part of the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States. In 1995, when people were asked what age do you feel most of the time, the majority identified with being 12 years younger than they actually were. It was found that these people who felt young for their age were more likely to have greater confidence about their cognitive abilities a decade later; chronological age was important, but the subjective age had a stronger effect.
However, it is still not confirmed as to what comes first – whether a person's wellness and happiness affect their cognitive abilities or does a person's cognitive ability contribute to their sense of wellness. The scientists are planning to address this in a future study.
The current study's findings have both positive and negative implications. There is a tremendous emphasis on being youthful in society and that can have a negative effect for people. People want to feel younger, so when they do inevitably age they can lose a lot of confidence in their cognitive abilities. But on the other hand, because there is such a desire to stay young, there may be benefits of trying to maintain a sense of youthfulness by keeping up with new trends and activities that feel invigorating. Learning new technologies is one way people can continue to improve their cognitive abilities.
Other studies have shown that women are prone to aging stereotypes, so it was expected to see that women who felt older about themselves would have less confidence in their cognitive abilities. There is a slight difference between men and women, but it's not as pronounced as expected, say the researchers.
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