Comparison of Views on Aging and Self-Perceptions of Aging Between Dementia Caregivers and Noncaregivers.

Abstract

Objectives: Positive general views on and self-perceptions of aging (SPAs) are important for active and healthy aging. This cross-sectional study compared the general views on aging and SPAs of dementia caregivers with those of noncaregivers.

Methods: Data from the German Aging Study comprising 190 caregivers (mean age = 65.69 years; SD = 10.11) and 4,480 noncaregivers (mean age = 68.81 years; SD = 10.49) were used. The onset of old age was used to assess general views on aging. Estimated own reachable age, felt age, attitudes toward own aging, and aging-related cognitions were used to assess SPAs. Sociodemographic variables, health conditions, and depressive symptoms were used as covariates. Unadjusted and adjusted linear regression models were used.

Results: Onset of old age did not differ between dementia caregivers and noncaregivers. Dementia caregivers and noncaregivers had similar felt age, attitudes toward own aging, expected own reachable age, and aging-related cognitions on physical losses, ongoing development, and self-knowledge. Compared to noncaregivers, caregivers reported lower negative aging-related cognitions on social losses (adjusted B = -0.60; 95% CI: -0.93, -0.73; standardized beta = -0.05).

Discussion: Except from aging-related cognitions on social losses, dementia caregivers and noncaregivers had similar general views on aging and SPAs. Hence, despite close contact with people who have complex conditions such as dementia, dementia caregivers may not be at greater risk of negative general views of aging and SPAs.