School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Box142, No. 44 West Culture Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Box142, No. 44 West Culture Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2024 Apr;119:105307. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.105307. Epub 2023 Dec 9.
Self-perception of aging (SPA) and social functioning are two important variables in the process of healthy aging, but the relationship between them is still unclear. This study aimed to explore the association between SPA and social functioning in older adults.
We conducted a longitudinal study utilizing data from the Health and Retirement Study. The sample comprised individuals aged 50 and above. Socio-demographic, psychosocial, and lifestyle information of study participants was systematically collected at baseline (2012 and 2014) and during follow-up four years later (2016 and 2018). SPA was measured using a scale assessing individuals' attitudes toward their aging process. Social functioning was evaluated through 22 questions, reflecting individuals' abilities to engage in and perform various roles and tasks in their daily lives. Multilevel modeling was employed to analyze the relationship between SPA and social functioning. Differences in social functioning changes among various SPA groups were assessed through the Generalized Estimating Equations methodology.
The study included 8,454 participants with an average age of 68.3 years (SD = 9.92). The multilevel model revealed a significant correlation between SPA and social functioning (β = 0.131; P < 0.001). This relationship persisted after adjusting the model (β = 0.088; P < 0.001). Generalized Estimating Equations indicated noteworthy differences in social functioning changes among distinct SPA groups (P = 0.034).
Positive SPA is associated with the healthy social functioning of older adults. Healthcare providers could target modifiable aspects of SPA to enhance the social function of older adults and promote successful aging.
自我衰老感知（SPA）和社会功能是健康衰老过程中的两个重要变量，但它们之间的关系尚不清楚。本研究旨在探讨老年人 SPA 与社会功能之间的关系。
我们进行了一项纵向研究，利用健康与退休研究的数据。样本包括年龄在 50 岁及以上的个体。在基线（2012 年和 2014 年）和四年后的随访（2016 年和 2018 年）期间，系统地收集了研究参与者的社会人口统计学、心理社会和生活方式信息。使用评估个体对衰老过程态度的量表来测量 SPA。社会功能通过 22 个问题进行评估，反映个体在日常生活中参与和执行各种角色和任务的能力。采用多层次模型分析 SPA 与社会功能之间的关系。通过广义估计方程方法评估不同 SPA 组之间社会功能变化的差异。
该研究纳入了 8454 名平均年龄为 68.3 岁（SD=9.92）的参与者。多层次模型显示 SPA 与社会功能之间存在显著相关性（β=0.131；P<0.001）。在调整模型后，这种关系仍然存在（β=0.088；P<0.001）。广义估计方程表明，不同 SPA 组之间社会功能变化存在显著差异（P=0.034）。
积极的 SPA 与老年人健康的社会功能相关。医疗保健提供者可以针对 SPA 的可改变方面，以提高老年人的社会功能，促进成功老龄化。
