What we expect from our own ageing is not merely a notion. In two recent studies, an international research team led by psychologist Christina Ristl from the University of Vienna has shown that our expectations regarding our own ageing can help shape our social lives over many years and even influence how we experience everyday encounters. The findings point to a psychological mechanism known as a 'self-fulfilling prophecy'. The results have recently been published in the specialist journals Psychology and Aging and Journal of Gerontology: Series B Psychology and Social Sciences.

Most people feel younger than they are, so it is rare for most to consciously reflect on their own ideas about growing older. Nevertheless, everyone harbours images of what older people are like and what their own life will be like in old age. However, what we expect from our own ageing is not merely a notion but shapes our reality, as psychologist Christina Ristl and her international team clearly demonstrate in their new studies.

More than 450 people of various ages followed over a period of 10 years

To find out whether expectations actually influence one's social life later in life, the researchers followed 459 adults aged between 30 and 80 over a period of ten years. At three different time points, they recorded how the participants envisaged their own social lives in old age – for example, whether they expected close family ties, good friendships or social engagement – and how much time they actually spent with family, friends or on voluntary activities.

The key factor was the direction of the observed correlation: it was not an active social life that led to more positive expectations of old age. Rather, more positive expectations preceded subsequent behaviour. People who expected to lead a fulfilling family or social life even in old age did indeed spend more time with family and friends years later. This correlation was particularly evident in family relationships in later adulthood.

Expectations play a major role not only in the long term, but also in everyday life

A second study showed that expectations play a role not only in the long term, but also in everyday life. To this end, the researchers followed 109 adults aged between 50 and 85 through their daily lives over a two-week period. Each evening, the participants reported on how they had experienced their social interactions and how they had perceived their own ageing that day.

Here, too, a clear pattern emerged: on days when people perceived their own ageing more positively, they also experienced their social interactions more positively. Conversely, when age-related losses were at the forefront of their minds, social interactions were more frequently experienced as stressful – and this more negative perception even persisted into the following day. Conversely, however, individual social interactions did not alter people’s perception of their own ageing.

Why can expectations have such a significant impact?

"One possible explanation is that expectations about old age influence what people pay attention to, what goals they pursue and how they interpret social situations," explains Christina Ristl from the University of Vienna. "Those who expect to be lonely in old age are more likely to anticipate rejection. Maintaining social contacts might therefore seem pointless. By contrast, those who expect to have close friendships and a fulfilling family life later in life are more likely to stay in touch, suggest shared activities and invest in relationships," explains Ristl. "Perceptions of old age therefore do not merely describe a possible future – they can influence what future we consider possible and how we shape our lives."

Many people overestimate how common loneliness is in old age

The good news is that perceptions of old age are not set in stone. They change over the course of a lifetime and can also be consciously influenced. Knowledge is a key factor in this. For example, many people overestimate how common loneliness actually is in old age, even though the vast majority of older people feel socially connected.

Positive perceptions of old age therefore do not mean glossing over the realities of ageing or ignoring its challenges. "What is crucial, rather, is a realistic view of growing older – one that recognises not only potential losses but also personal development, relationships and new opportunities," urges Ristl. "Life is not a ladder of success that we climb rung by rung until middle age and then descend again. Rather, it is more like a multi-layered cake: every phase of life brings its own strengths, relationships, challenges and opportunities."

Perceptions of ageing as an approach to preventing loneliness

Precisely because perceptions of ageing are malleable, they could also represent a previously overlooked starting point for prevention. Loneliness and social isolation are currently being discussed increasingly in Austria, as well as internationally, as challenges for society and health policy. The findings of the two studies suggest that, in addition to expanding social services, consideration should also be given to the ideas people develop about their own ageing. "A realistic understanding of ageing, intergenerational encounters and diverse perceptions of old age could help to foster expectations that support social relationships and participation in society, even in later life," summarises Ristl.

Summary:

• Researchers led by the University of Vienna have shown in two recent studies that our perceptions of our own ageing shape our social lives.
• The findings show that perceptions of ageing acted as a 'self-fulfilling prophecy'.
• Positive expectations about one's own ageing were associated with a more active family and social life in the years that followed.
• These expectations did not just have a long-term effect: they also influenced how people experienced their social interactions in everyday life.
• Perceptions of ageing can be changed – and could therefore be a previously overlooked starting point for social participation and the prevention of loneliness.

About the University of Vienna:

For over 650 years the University of Vienna has stood for education, research and innovation. Today, it is ranked among the top 100 and thus the top four per cent of all universities worldwide and is globally connected.
With degree programmes covering 188 disciplines, and approximately 11,000 employees, we are one of the largest academic institutions in Europe. Here, people from a broad spectrum of disciplines come together to carry out research at the highest level and develop solutions for current and future challenges. Its students and graduates develop reflected and sustainable solutions to complex challenges using innovative spirit and curiosity.