Exploring the protective role of sense of coherence and self-compassion in the relationship between perceptions of ageing and subjective well-being among community dwelling young-old

Abstract

With numerous baby boomers entering old age and the trend of increasing ageism, subjective well-being of older adults is the next big challenge. Among the very heterogeneous older population that includes multiple generations, young-old are generally more susceptible to mental health problems in their transition to a new stigmatizable identity. Although a link is well-established between perceptions of ageing and subjective well-being, there is a lack of local study focusing specifically on this emerging gro􀁘p. A􀁖 changing olde􀁕 ad􀁘l􀁗􀁖􀂶 pre-existing self-internalized and predominately negative age stereotypes is very difficult, identifying adjustable personal factors that buffer the deleterious impact of age stereotypes is therefore of critical importance to enhance the young-old􀂶􀁖 􀁚ell-being. This cross-sectional survey aimed first to investigate the relationship between expectations regarding ageing and satisfaction with life among young-old and second to explore the protective effects of a strong sense of coherence and high self-compassion on the relationship between negative ageing perceptions and life satisfaction. It was hypothesized that sense of coherence acts as a general resilience resource, provides a feeling of confidence, enables the selection of the best available coping resources, and emphasizes the meanings of existence despite changes that occur with ageing, thereby buffering the negative impact of negative ageing perceptions. At the same time, a more accepting attitude of self-compassion was also hypothesized to buffer the negative impact of poor ageing perceptions of unavoidable losses and declines on older adults' life satisfaction since it may ease self-criticism, attenuate reactions towards negative judgments and facilitates recognition of ageing experiences as part of common humanity rather than an isolating process. In a sample of 134 community dwelling young-old aged between 55-74, ageing perceptions, measured by Expectations Regarding Aging (ERA-12), was found to be marginally correlated with the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) as revealed by bivariate analysis. Sense of coherence and self-compassion did not moderate the relationship between ageing perceptions and life satisfaction. Limitations and implications were discussed.