Views on ageing: a lifespan perspective

Anna E. Kornadt (), Eva-Marie Kessler, Susanne Wurm, Catherine E. Bowen, Martina Gabrian and Verena Klusmann
Additional contact information
Anna E. Kornadt: Bielefeld University
Eva-Marie Kessler: MSB Medical School Berlin
Susanne Wurm: Universität Greifswald
Catherine E. Bowen: Independent Researcher
Martina Gabrian: Independent Researcher
Verena Klusmann: University of Konstanz

European Journal of Ageing, 2020, vol. 17, issue 4, No 2, 387-401

Abstract: Abstract Views on ageing (VoA) have special relevance for the ageing process by influencing health, well-being, and longevity. Although VoA form early in life, so far, most research has concentrated on how VoA affect later middle-aged and older adults. In this theoretical article, we argue that a lifespan approach is needed in order to more fully understand the origins of VoA, how they change over ontogenetic time, and how they shape development across the full breadth of the lifespan. We begin by explicitly linking VoA to fundamental principles of lifespan development. We review existing theories of VoA and discuss their respective contributions and limitations. We then outline a lifespan approach to VoA that integrates existing theories and addresses some of their limitations. We elaborate on three core propositions of a lifespan approach to VoA: (1) VoA develop as the result of a dynamic, ongoing, and complex interaction between biological-evolutionary, psychological, and social-contextual factors; however, the relative importance of different sources changes across the lifespan; (2) VoA impact development across the whole lifespan; however, different outcomes, mechanisms, and time frames need to be considered in order to describe and understand their effects; and (3) VoA are multidimensional, multidirectional, and multifunctional throughout life, but their complexity, meaning, and adaptivity change across the lifespan. We conclude with recommendations for future lifespan research on VoA.

Keywords: Views on ageing; Lifespan development; Age stereotypes; Subjective ageing; Self-perceptions of ageing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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DOI: 10.1007/s10433-019-00535-9

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