Women are more positive than men about growing older – until memory problems enter the picture, new research has found.
Key points:
- People with mild cognitive impairment had more negative expectations about ageing than those without.
- Concerns about memory was closely linked to less positive views of growing older.
- People worried about their memory are more likely to expect poorer health and cognitive function as they aged.
The study, published in the Journal of Women & Aging, found memory complaints were linked to negative expectations about ageing in people with mild cognitive impairment as well as cognitively healthy adults.
Lead author Dr Yvonne Leung, from ACU's School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, said people with mild cognitive impairment had more negative expectations about ageing than those without.
She said the findings highlighted the close relationship between how people experienced changes in their memory and how they viewed the ageing process.
Concerns about memory was closely linked to less positive views of growing older.
"Many people notice changes in their memory and quietly wonder what it means for getting older and our findings show how closely those experiences are tied to views of ageing," Dr Leung said.
Dr Leung said the findings show expectations about ageing are not simply about attitudes towards getting older.
Previous research has linked more positive views of ageing with better physical and mental health, stronger cognitive health and longer life expectancy.
"How we expect to age is linked to real outcomes," Dr Leung said.
"More positive views of ageing are associated with better physical and mental health, better cognitive health and a longer life while negative views may lower confidence, motivation for seeking help, engaging in brain-healthy activities and raise stress."
She said those who worried more about their memory were also more likely to expect poorer health and cognitive function as they aged.
"Negative expectations can undermine confidence and motivation to seek help or engage in activities that support brain health," Dr Leung said.
Unlike some established risk factors for cognitive decline, she said expectations about ageing can potentially be changed making them a possible target for early intervention.
"The findings could also help clinicians and community programs identify people who may benefit from more tailored support, particularly as attitudes towards ageing appear to differ according to both gender and cognitive status," she said.
"Understanding that relationship could help determine whether changing perceptions of ageing should form part of strategies to support cognitive health as people grow older."
