MIND OVER BODY CONNECTION: AGING EXPECTATIONS AND SUBJECTIVE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is credible evidence that a person's beliefs about the aging process are linked to and influence a variety of health outcomes. PURPOSE: This study determined whether aging expectations predict health-related quality of life. Furthermore, the study determined whether engagement in healthy lifestyles mediates the relationship between these variables. METHODS: This descriptive-correlational study enlisted a total of 95 respondents aged 60 to 85 years old in a large metropolitan area. Data were analyzed using linear regression and mediation analysis. RESULTS: Aging expectations and engagement in healthy lifestyles are a significant predictor of health-related quality of life (p< 0.05). Moreover, engagement in healthy lifestyles is found to be a significant mediator between the variables. CONCLUSION: Older adults who have positive aging expectations and engage in health promotion activities are more likely to report better health. Therefore, programs that promote a positive aging expectation and engagement in health-promoting activities should be implemented.