Subjective Age and Cognitive Functioning: A 10-Year Prospective Study

Abstract

Objectives: The present study examines whether subjective age (i.e., how old or young individuals feel) is associated with cognitive functioning and tests potential mediators of this association. Design: Data from the two waves of measurement of the Midlife in the United States survey were used, with assessments conducted at the first wave in 1994e1995 and at the second wave in 2004e2006. Participants: A total of 1,352 men and women aged from 50 to 75 years at baseline (M: 59.32; SD: 6.72). Measurements: Subjective age, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and the covariates sex, age, education, marital status, and disease burden were assessed at baseline to predict episodic memory and executive function measured 10 years later. Results: Multiple regression analysis revealed that a younger subjective age at baseline was prospectively associated with better episodic memory and executive function. Bootstrap analysis indicated that the association of subjective age with episodic memory and executive function was partially mediated by BMI and frequency of physical activity respectively. Conclusion: Even after accounting for chronological age and other risk factors for cognitive decline, such as disease burden and sedentary lifestyle, the subjective experience of aging predicts cognitive functioning in old age. (Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2014; 22:1180e1187)

Origins of Ageism at the Individual Level

“…Although it may be claimed that this tendency can emerge from the internalization of negative age stereotypes, a growing body of research indicates that a younger subjective age is positively associated with diverse subjective and objective outcomes such as improved physical and cognitive functioning, health, psychological wellbeing, and longevity (e.g., Gana et al 2004;Kotter-Grühn et al 2009;Stephan et al 2014;Stephan et al 2013). Hence, this strategy has positive outcomes and is highly desirable.…”

Perceived Discrimination and Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional Health in Older Adulthood

“…Given that the risk of significant illness also increases with age, it is particularly important to examine how discrimination contributes to disease and the progression of disease at older ages. Related research on aging stereotypes suggests that older adults who internalize negative attitudes toward aging are at increased risk for functional (16) and cognitive decline (17, 18), and initial evidence indicates that perceived discrimination among older adults is associated with declines in health over two years (19). …”

Looking Beyond Chronological Age: Current Knowledge and Future Directions in the Study of Subjective Age

“…Specifically, individuals who feel younger than their chronological age report better physical health and functioning [4,5] and fewer depressive symptoms [6] , they show slower cognitive decline [7,8] , and they live longer lives [4,9] . Given the relevance of subjective age, an in-depth analysis of current and future directions in the study of subjective age is warranted.…”