Images of aging and positive affect in independently living older adults: An update

The World Health Organization (2018) estimates that between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world\u27s older adult population will nearly double from 12% to 22%. Despite this increasing prevalence, negative age-related stereotypes persist, cross national and cultural boundaries, and are associated with poor cognitive, mental, and physical health. In contrast, older adults with more positive views of aging experience better mental and physical health, engage in more preventive healthy behaviors, and enjoy greater longevity. These positive aging outcomes are again confirmed in this year\u27s expanded study of independent living residents in Bayview, a retirement community in Seattle. (n = 56, 36 females, 19 males, 1 gender non-conforming, ages 66 — 97 years). In addition, this study explores possible mediation effects of social relationships, perceived health status, and age on the relationship between images of aging and positive affect