Changing self-perceptions of aging in China: a cohort analysis.

IF 3.5 2区社会学 Q1 GERONTOLOGY

European Journal of Ageing Pub Date : 2025-07-23 DOI:10.1007/s10433-025-00870-0

Donghui Wang, Leif Jensen

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Abstract

Self-perceptions of aging are important predictors of health and longevity. These perceptions are shaped by internal developmental processes and broader social contexts. Using eight waves of pooled panel data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (1998-2018), this study examines inter- and intra-cohort variations in older adults' self-perceptions of aging among a sample of older adults aged between 65 and 99 at baseline survey (baseline mean age = 80, N = 38,663), born between 1898 and 1949. The results show an overall cohort-based decline in positive self-perceptions of aging, with a potential reversal for the latest-born cohort (1945-1949). Net of cohort effects, older adults experience a decline in positive self-perceptions of aging as they age. Better socioeconomic status is associated with more positive self-perceptions of aging, but it does not slow down age-related declines. These patterns remain after adjusting for demographic characteristics, life course events (e.g., marriage, living arrangements, place of residence), attrition, and health. The findings highlight the interplay between historical contexts and internal development processes in shaping self-perceptions of aging. It also underscores the need for tailored intervention programs addressing different stages of aging.

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中国人对老龄化自我认知的变化：一项队列分析。

对衰老的自我认知是健康和长寿的重要预测因素。这些观念是由内部发展过程和更广泛的社会背景形成的。本研究使用来自中国纵向健康寿命调查（1998-2018）的八波汇总面板数据，研究了基线调查中年龄在65至99岁之间的老年人样本（基线平均年龄= 80,N = 38,663）中老年人对衰老自我认知的队列间和队列内变化。结果显示，总体上，基于队列的对衰老的积极自我认知有所下降，最新出生的队列（1945-1949）可能出现逆转。在群体效应的影响下，老年人对衰老的积极自我认知随着年龄的增长而下降。更好的社会经济地位与对衰老更积极的自我认知有关，但它并不能减缓与年龄相关的衰退。在对人口特征、生命历程事件（如婚姻、生活安排、居住地）、人员流失和健康状况进行调整后，这些模式仍然存在。研究结果强调了历史背景和内部发展过程在形成对衰老的自我认知方面的相互作用。它还强调了针对不同衰老阶段量身定制干预方案的必要性。

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来源期刊

European Journal of Ageing GERONTOLOGY-

CiteScore

6.50

自引率

7.90%

发文量

期刊介绍： The European Journal of Ageing: Social, Behavioural and Health Perspectives is an interdisciplinary journal devoted to the understanding of ageing in European societies and the world over. EJA publishes original articles on the social, behavioral and population health aspects of ageing and encourages an integrated approach between these aspects. Emphasis is put on publishing empirical research (including meta-analyses), but conceptual papers (including narrative reviews) and methodological contributions will also be considered. EJA welcomes expert opinions on critical issues in ageing. By stimulating communication between researchers and those using research findings, it aims to contribute to the formulation of better policies and the development of better practice in serving older adults. To further specify, with the term ''social'' is meant the full scope of social science of ageing related research from the micro to the macro level of analysis. With the term ''behavioural'' the full scope of psychological ageing research including life span approaches based on a range of age groups from young to old is envisaged. The term ''population health-related'' denotes social-epidemiological and public health oriented research including research on functional health in the widest possible sense.