Age-related patterns of positive and negative self-perception of aging among middle-aged and older adults in the United States: exploring the role of education.

OBJECTIVES

Higher education is associated with better health in later life may foster a stronger sense of control, and elevate expectations for aging. However, as age-related declines in health and functioning emerge, these expectations may become difficult to meet. Guided by Discrepancy Theory, which posits that psychological discomfort arises when internalized ideals diverge from lived realities, this study examines age-related patterns in positive and negative self-perceptions of aging (SPA), tested whether these patterns differ by education.

METHOD: Using three waves (2008/2010, 2012/2014, 2016/2018) of Health and Retirement Study data (N = 14,538), mixed-effects models estimated trajectories of positive and negative SPA across age and assessed moderation by education. Covariates included sociodemographic, psychological, and health-related factors.

RESULTS

Positive SPA followed an inverse U-shaped trajectory. Negative SPA increased with age. Higher education was associated with pronounced curvilinear patterns in both SPA dimensions. Higher education was associated with lower levels of both positive and negative SPA with covariates adjusted. Sequential models suggest that subjective health may help explain the positive SPA pattern.

CONCLUSION

Interventions should consider both educational background and life stage when promoting healthy aging attitudes as more educated individuals may apply stricter internal standards when evaluating their own health and aging.