Just as expected? Older adults' aging expectations are associated with subjective cognition.

Publication/Presentation Date

3-1-2025

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the relationship between older adults' expectations regarding aging and subjective cognition. Specifically, we examined whether the three domains of aging expectations (physical health, mental health, and cognitive function) were associated with two aspects of subjective cognition: current subjective cognition and subjective cognitive decline (SCD).

METHOD: An online survey was conducted among U.S. adults aged 65-90 (

RESULTS: We found that more positive expectations regarding physical health, mental health, and cognitive function in aging were associated with higher ratings of current subjective cognition as well as lower SCD. The magnitude of effects across aging expectations domains were similar for both aspects of subjective cognition.

CONCLUSION: Aging expectations are malleable and influence an individual's perceptions of their cognitive functioning. Modifying older adults' aging expectations could support healthier cognitive aging through increased awareness and accurate assumptions about the aging process.

Volume

29

Issue

3

First Page

444

Last Page

451

ISSN

1364-6915

Disciplines

Education | Medical Education

PubMedID

39241125

Department(s)

Department of Education

Document Type

Article

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