Predictors of quality and meaning in life in independently living older adults: A quantitative replication of Weinstock and Bond (2018)

In their in depth qualitative study of older adults living in a continuing care facility, Weinstock and Bond (2018) identified three first-order components of quality of life: (1) Sense of community and belonging, (2) resident driven engagement, and (3) individual autonomy, independence, and respect. Our present study attempts to replicate the Weinstock and Bond findings using a quantitative methodology in a sample 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). Early analyses indicate that only the third component (i.e., autonomy, independence, and respect) is a significant predictor of positive aging outcomes, including meaning in life. Various explanations for this divergence in findings are currently being explored

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

Images of aging, well-being, and life satisfaction among independently living older adults

The U.S. is an aging country in an aging world, and yet negative age-related stereotypes abound and continue among the most institutionalized of isms. Such stereotypes in older adults are associated with poor 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 confirmed in the present study of independent living residents in Bayview, a retirement community in Seattle (n=41; 26 females, 14 males; ages 70-94 years). In addition, this study reports findings on such variables as perceptions of well-being, self-efficacy, social engagement, and spiritual expression. (Word count: 112