Negative self-perception of aging and mortality in very old chinese adults: The mediation role of healthy lifestyle

Zhang X, Kamin S, Liu S, Fung HH, Lang F (2020)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2020

Journal

Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences Oxford University Press (OUP): Policy B - Oxford Open Option D

Book Volume: 75

Pages Range: 1001-1009

Journal Issue: 5

DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gby136

Abstract

Objectives: Previous literature has consistently shown a positive association between negative self-perception of aging and mortality in middle-aged and older adults. However, two questions remain unsolved: (a) whether such association holds among very old people (i.e., the fourth age) and (b) the potential mediators that could contribute to the positive association. This study sought to fill in the research gap by examining the association between self-perception of aging and mortality in a group of very old Chinese participants (i.e., aged over 78 years). Methods: Four waves of data across a span of 8 years (2000-2008) were obtained from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, which measured a total of 9,683 participants' negative self-perception of aging, survival status, cognitive functioning, diet, as well as other demographic information. Results: Latent growth models with survival analysis were conducted, and the results replicated previous findings indicating an association between negative self-perceptions of aging and reduced survival. Moreover and more importantly, a potential mediator - healthy lifestyle (e.g., eating fresh vegetables and fruits, exercising regularly, and no smoking) - was identified, such that older adults with more negative self-perception of aging tended to engage in less healthy lifestyle, which could lead to increased risk of mortality. Discussion: The findings provided support for a longitudinal behavioral pathway of health, linking negative perceptions of aging to mortality, and also yielded important practical implications for older adults to reach longevity.

Authors with CRIS profile

Stefan Kamin Lehrstuhl für Psychogerontologie Frieder Lang Lehrstuhl für Psychogerontologie

Involved external institutions

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) CN China (CN) Peking University (PKU) / 北京大学 CN China (CN) University of Georgia (UGA) US United States (USA) (US)

How to cite

APA:

Zhang, X., Kamin, S., Liu, S., Fung, H.H., & Lang, F. (2020). Negative self-perception of aging and mortality in very old chinese adults: The mediation role of healthy lifestyle. Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 75(5), 1001-1009. https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gby136

MLA:

Zhang, Xin, et al. "Negative self-perception of aging and mortality in very old chinese adults: The mediation role of healthy lifestyle." Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences 75.5 (2020): 1001-1009.

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