"Elderly" Seniors Vs. "Youthful" seniors: Attributions and reshaping of aging expectations

Abstract

People's expectations of aging are shaped by various sources and experiences. These aging expectations subsequently influence a person's overall health and well-being. I intended to gain a deeper understanding of the various sources by which Filipino older adults attribute and reshape negative and positive expectations regarding aging. I used a multiple case study (Creswell, 2013) and enlisted eight participants who are 60 years old and older in a large metropolitan area in the Philippines and interviewed them regarding their aging expectations. I analyzed the data using cross-case analysis for comparison of commonalities and differences in the events, activities, and processes in the selected cases. Findings show that there are various sources such as personal, interpersonal, and sociocultural factors that shape aging expectations. Furthermore, those who have positive aging expectations accept that there are physical limitations but still maintain a positive outlook compared to those having negative expectations. Programs to educate people about the differences between normal and abnormal changes in old age should be implemented to clarify aging stereotypes.