As the population of older adults increases, it is important to understand what may assist every older person to live well and longer. Using a systematic review, this study examined the longitudinal consequences of self-perceptions of aging (SPA), a measure of internalized stereotypes of aging, in participants 50 years or older. The sample comprised 21 studies published in English that used the Attitudes Toward Own Aging (ATOA) scale to measure SPA. Studies were conducted in the United States (10), Germany (7), Australia (2), and one each from Israel and Switzerland. Risk of bias was low, study design and assessment showed good to high quality, and the ATOA scale was reliable in all studies. Primary outcomes were physiological (N = 15; longevity and better health, health behaviors, and diseases) and psychological (N = 6; depression, cognitive function, and other psychological outcomes) rather than social. More positive SPA was consistently associated with healthier longitudinal outcomes, including better self-rated health and less obesity, greater longevity, better performance of the activities of daily living, less depression, and better cognitive functioning (including reductions in cognitive decline and incidence of dementia). These were both direct and indirect pathways and provide support for the consequences of aging stereotypes, providing support for Levy's Stereotype Embodiment theory. The results have public health implications, broadly as community messaging about the benefits of positive SPA and usual and healthy aging, and more narrowly in using ATOA to screen for middle-aged adults with negative SPA to prevent future physical and psychological decline.

There is limited research concerning the relationship between early adaptive schema, from Young’s Schema Theory, and women’s sexual wellbeing. Schema Theory posits that early adaptive schema start forming in early childhood from core emotional needs being met, and positively influence individuals’ concept of self, relationships with others, and their behaviours. Building on this theory, the current study explored the relationship of early adaptive schema and adult women’s sexual wellbeing at pre-, peri-, and post-menopause. Four hundred and sixty-seven women, mostly partnered and heterosexual, from over ten countries, participated in an online survey measuring relationships between early adaptive schema and sexual wellbeing, measured by sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction. The strength of association of early adaptive schema and sexual well-being were evaluated in addition to known predictors. The results showed higher early adaptive schema were associated with higher sexual wellbeing, measured by sexual satisfaction and sexual functioning,with medium-to-large effect sizes, at pre and peri-menopause, and produced a non-significant result for post-menopause. The association of early adaptive schema continued after known factors were accounted for. The results support the use of early adaptive schema to promote sexual wellbeing for women at pre- and peri-menopause.