The assessment of views on ageing: a review of self-report measures and innovative extensions

Abstract

This is a review of existing self-report measures for assessing views on ageing. It provides an overview of instruments, for which basic psychometric properties are available and describes them according to the purposes for which they are suitable. Literature search resulted in the inclusion of 89 instruments which were categorised along eight dimensions. The majority of measures focus on explicit cognitions about people's own age and ageing or other (older) people. A substantial amount of tools account for the multidimensionality and multidirectionality of views on ageing, i.e. the idea that ageing is accompanied by both gains and losses in several different domains. To some extent, measures reflect that ageing is a long-term process and that views on ageing are malleable, rather than just stable traits. Cluster analysis revealed heterogeneity in instruments regarding the dimensions of Ecosystem, Balance, Stability, Dynamics, and Complexity. It becomes apparent, however, that approaches to measure views on ageing should be extended to more specifically target the implicit level as well as affective, physiological, and behavioural manifestations. Additionally, means for capturing views on ageing on the societal level and tools with a distinct time reference are needed. This is particularly important when one wants to account for the lifelong dynamics of views on ageing.

Scaling Down the PGCM Scale to Assess Views on Ageing More Efficiently: Finding a New Alternative

“…The most popular measure among gerontological studies, alongside the Life Satisfaction Index and the Affect Balance Scale, is the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGCM/PGCMS) [ 16 ]. As confirmed recently by Klusmann et al [ 7 ], the PGCM scale is the second most often cited measure for assessing views on ageing, being quoted more than 783 times in the Web of Science database, with an average of 18 citations per year.…”

“…Reflecting upon the well-being and quality of life among older populations using psychological measures represents a long-term interest within the field of gerontological and geriatric research [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Emphasis on the subjective experience of individuals and their psychological well-being has become the basis for morale and quality-of-life studies [ 15 ].…”

Current directions in views on ageing

“…We elaborate on three specific propositions regarding the development, impact, and the central characteristics of views on ageing during different phases of life, paving the way for future research. In a second paper, Klusmann et al (2020) present a review and systematisation of 89 different self-report instruments which have been used to measure views on ageing. By describing the measures' quality and purpose and grouping them into four clusters, the review provides an instructive overview of the available measures and the specific research questions they can answer.…”

“…Particularly striking for us as researchers in the field of views on ageing were the discussions and regulations to contain the pandemic in order to protect older people. Buttressed by our own research, for years we have been committed to the promotion of differentiated views on old age that more accurately represent the reality of ageing and older people: that is, as diverse and multidimensional (Klusmann et al 2020 ; Kornadt et al, 2019 ). In the societal but also in the scientific dialogue surrounding the pandemic, however, older people have been treated as one, barely differentiated risk group; as vulnerable, helpless, and in need of society’s protection.…”

“…The pandemic has, however, certainly amplified the timeliness of our work. Views on ageing not only determine the age-friendliness of people’s thoughts and behaviour, but also their own personality development, preventive action, and health behaviour, not only in old age, but from early life on (Klusmann et al 2020 ; Kornadt et al 2019 ). The pandemic has poignantly demonstrated the need to advance our understanding of the structure, origins, and consequences of views on ageing in order to enhance well-being across the entire life span.…”