Perceived Ageism During the Covid-19-Crisis Is Longitudinally Related to Subjective Perceptions of Aging

Abstract

Ageism in media and society has increased sharply during the Covid-19-crisis, with expected negative consequences for the health and well-being of older adults. The current study investigates whether perceived ageism during the crisis longitudinally affects how people perceive their own aging. In June 2020, N = 611 older adults from Luxembourg [aged 60–98 years, Mage(SD) = 69.92(6.97)] participated in a survey on their perception of the crisis. In October 2020, N = 523 participated in a second measurement occasion. Participants reported on perceived ageism during the crisis in different domains, their self-perceptions of aging and subjective age. In latent longitudinal regression models, we predicted views on aging at T2 with perceived ageism at T1, while controlling for baseline views on aging and covariates. Perceived ageism at T1 increased self-perceptions of aging as social loss and yielded a trend for physical decline, while there were no effects on subjective age and self-perceptions of aging as continued growth. Views on aging are powerful predictors of well-being and health outcomes in later life. Our data suggest that being the target of ageism during the crisis negatively affects older adults' self-perceptions of aging and this impact may be felt beyond the current crisis.

Trajectories of attitude toward own aging and subjective age from 2008 to 2020 among middle-aged and older adults: Partial evidence of a “COVID-19 effect”.

“…This very universal trend toward more negative ATOA could be due to the described one-sided portrayals of older adults a one homogeneous vulnerable risk group during the pandemic and due to cases of “COVID ageism” (Kessler & Bowen, 2020), as observed, for instance, in social media (Jimenez-Sotomayor et al, 2020; Meisner, 2021; Xiang et al, 2021). As a consequence, middle-aged and older adults could have internalized and integrated such age stereotypes into their self-perceptions of aging, and such an internalization process is in line with stereotype embodiment theory (Levy, 2009) as well as with empirical findings (Brothers et al, 2021; Kornadt et al, 2021b). Alternatively, it might be the role of the pandemic as a stress trigger (Bäuerle et al, 2020; Brakemeier et al, 2020; Gilan et al, 2020; Munk et al, 2020; Peters et al, 2020; Petzold et al, 2020) that might have caused a shift toward more negative perceptions of aging, as greater stress has been found to be associated with less favorable views on aging (Wettstein et al, in press).…”

Association Between Self-Perceived Stigma and Quality of Life Among Urban Chinese Older Adults: The Moderating Role of Attitude Toward Own Aging and Traditionality

“…Moreover, the potential mechanism of the association between perceived stigma and quality of life remains inconclusive. Previous studies confirmed that age-based stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination harmed older adults, thus severely limiting opportunities to secure their health, well-being, and quality of life (8).…”

“…Especially in the digital age, there is a growing gap between older and younger individuals regarding values, thoughts, and lifestyles (6). Further, whereas social forces driven by the transformation of new media, social networking technology, and marketing strategies contribute to encouraging youth-centered lifestyle, they shape negative attitudes toward aging and elicit adverse depictions regarding older adults and the aging process (7,8). Numerous older adults also struggle with multiple dilemmas and are often stereotyped as forgetful, useless, lonely, and unattractive (9).…”

“…Existing literature indicated that stigma was widespread, and its associated consequences were far-reaching, including lower quality of life, earlier death, poorer physical and mental health, and slower recovery from disability in older age (8,17). Due to existing deterioration in physical function, appearance, and competence; lower ability to contribute to society; and social exit and retirement, it is difficult for older adults to keep lasting work and live happily or achieve a long-lasting, adequate quality of life (9), which refers to an individual's perception or evaluation toward self-position in the space of everyday social life.…”

Anti-Ageism Social Actions: Lights and Shadows

“…After reviewing several studies from different sources, ageism seems to be growing as the COVID-19 pandemic continues [18][19][20][21]. At the same time, a strong call from international organisations (such as WHO [22]) demanding public and private social agents for anti-ageism movements, policies and actions has been spread around the world.…”