Grant: Summer Program in Aging

In 2005, ageism researcher Dr. Todd Nelson highlighted how negative beliefs about aging can lead to stereotypes and discrimination, framing ageism as a "prejudice against our feared future self." Understanding personal aging beliefs becomes a crucial window into societal assumptions, biases, and attitudes contributing to discrimination against older adults. Recognizing gaps in knowledge, the Government of Canada emphasized diverse research on ageism. This proposed study aligns with these needs, aiming to explore associations between negative perceptions of aging and health outcomes. Three main goals guide this investigation. First, we aim to identify groups with more negative perceptions of aging by examining demographics, occupational roles, and economic and social factors. Second, we investigate if negative perceptions of aging correlate with adverse health outcomes, considering cognitive, behavioral, functional, physical, and dietary health. Third, we seek to understand the unique influences that may shape the relationship explored in our first aim to guide tailored interventions. By employing advanced data analysis tools, we aim to unravel the complex relationships between aging beliefs and health outcomes. The significance of this research lies in its potential to deepen our understanding of how ageist beliefs impact diverse factors. By capturing rich information from a broad Canadian sample, the study ensures a comprehensive understanding of ageism in varied contexts. Identifying factors mediating the relationship between negative perceptions of aging and health outcomes provides crucial insights into the mechanisms influencing well-being. Ultimately, this research strives to inform targeted interventions and contribute to public health initiatives promoting positive attitudes towards aging and fostering healthier experiences for diverse populations.