The advantages of aging: greater stability of self-representation in older adults is linked to higher well-being

Sarah Hennessy, Jessica R Andrews-Hanna and Matthew D Grilli

The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 2026, vol. 81, issue 2, gbaf239.

Abstract: ObjectivesMaintaining a coherent, stable sense of self is critical to well-being, particularly in older adulthood. Yet, little research has examined the objective stability of self-representation across the lifespan. In this study, we investigated how self-representation stability differs between younger and older adults, is supported by autobiographical memory in the laboratory and in daily life, and predicts well-being.MethodsThis observational study included younger (n = 51, aged 18–35) and older (n = 126, aged 60–90) adults. Outcome variables included personality, well-being, in-lab autobiographical memory, and naturalistic autobiographical thought. Using robust quantile regression, analyses examined age-group differences and interactions across self-representation stability, well-being, and autobiographical memory.ResultsWe observed that self-representation stability: (1) was higher in older adults, (2) predicted well-being across participants, (3) was not significantly related to in-lab autobiographical memory, and (4) was higher in younger adults who had more autobiographical thoughts in daily life.DiscussionThese findings suggest a link between self-representation stability and well-being, with age-related differences in its cognitive mechanisms. These findings further underscore an important positive of aging and offer insight into the connection between autobiographical processes and self-representation stability.

Keywords: Autobiographical memory; Self; Self-concept; Ecological momentary assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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The Journals of Gerontology: Series B is currently edited by Psychological Sciences - S. Duke Han, PhD and Social Sciences - Jessica A Kelley, PhD, FGSA

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