It’s a Matter of Perspective: The Role of Aging Expectations and Self-Efficacy Towards Engagement in Healthy Lifestyles Among Older Adults

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to investigate whether aging expectations predict engagement in healthy lifestyles. Furthermore, it aimed to determine whether self-efficacy mediates the relationship between aging expectations and engagement in healthy lifestyles. This study enlisted 95 respondents who were 60 years old and older in a large metropolitan area in the Philippines. A four-part instrument package was utilized to measure the respondent’s (1) demographic profile, (2) aging expectations using the Expectations Regarding Aging (ERA-12) Survey, (3) engagement in healthy lifestyles using Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II), and (4) self-efficacy using the Self-efficacy for Self-direction in Health Scale. Data were analyzed using linear regression and mediation analysis. Results show that aging expectations and self-efficacy predicted engagement in healthy lifestyles. Moreover, self-efficacy was found to be a significant mediator between the variables. Programs that promote a positive aging expectation and high self-efficacy should be pursued by the government and non-government organizations.