The way we perceive our aging, with optimism or fatalism, can influence our cognitive abilities over time, and thus move us away from or on the contrary towards decline, according to researchers.
- A study reveals that positive expectations about aging influence the perception of cognitive abilities among seniors. Those with an optimistic outlook report fewer cognitive problems, while those with negative expectations perceive more decline.
- Anticipating the worst, such as widespread deterioration, often leads to more sedentary lifestyle and isolation, thus amplifying the risks of cognitive decline.
- Conversely, an optimistic view of aging appears to encourage beneficial behaviors, such as regular physical activity and increased social engagement, which promote mental health.
Aging is often accompanied by changes that are certainly anticipated but are not always easy to accept, from wrinkles to gray hair to temporary forgetfulness. But how we perceive these changes – positive or negative – could largely influence our cognitive abilities as we age. According to a new study from the Penn State College of Nursing (United States), seniors with an optimistic view of their own aging have fewer cognitive problems and are less likely to experience a decline in their performance over time.
Optimism about one’s age protects against cognitive decline
To reach this conclusion, published in the journal Aging & Mental Healthresearchers conducted an online survey of 581 people aged over 65, independent and without a diagnosis of dementia. Participants were asked to rate, on a scale of 4, statements such as “my energy level decreases a little more each year”, and indicate whether they had perceived changes in their cognitive abilities, such as performing certain tasks, over the past 10 years.
As a result, it appeared that seniors with positive expectations regarding their physical, mental or cognitive health displayed a better assessment of their current abilities and fewer cognitive difficulties such as concentration or memory problems. In contrast, those with more negative expectations had a darker perception of their performance (even if it had not declined recently) and were more sensitive to signs of decline.
Encourage a less fatalistic view of aging
And for good reason, according to researchers: anticipating the worst, such as generalized deterioration, often leads to more sedentary lifestyle and isolation, thus amplifying the risks of cognitive decline. A sort of self-fulfilling prophecy. Conversely, an optimistic view of aging appears to encourage beneficial behaviors, such as regular physical activity and increased social engagement, which promote mental health.
Changing stereotypes around old age
The study highlights that these expectations and stereotypes around old age are changeable. “Changing seniors’ expectations could promote healthier cognitive aging by raising their awareness and dispelling erroneous beliefs about the aging process”explain the scientists in a press release. Changing the perception of aging and encouraging a less fatalistic vision of aging could therefore, according to them, be a lever for cognitive protection and help older people stay in good mental health for longer.
