The Role of Social Relationships in the Development and Consequences of Views of Aging Across the Lifespan

This dissertation investigates the role of social relationships throughout adulthood in shapingpersonal views of aging (VoA) and manifesting the effects of negative VoA in later life,particularly focusing on the concept of self-perceptions of aging (SPA). Study 1 assesses theimpact of caregiving relationships across adulthood on later-life self-perceptions of aging (SPA).Through sequence and cluster analysis, caregivers were categorized into distinct groups based ontheir caregiving histories. The study found that different caregiving trajectories, particularlyLifelong Diverse Caregivers cluster membership, are associated with later-life negative SPA,suggesting that caregiving experiences shape aging perceptions beyond internalized ageism.Study 2 explores how non-kin relationships within a Continuing Care Retirement Community(CCRC) shape and reinforce VoA. Thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed that olderadults’ VoA is multidimensional. Social interactions among residents and staff can protectresidents from forming negative personal VoA and reinforce negative age-related stereotypes.The findings highlight the significant role of non-kin relationships in shaping VoA. Study 3examines the relationship between negative SPA and memory decline, with a focus on themediating effects of social disconnectedness and loneliness. Using longitudinal data, the studydemonstrates that negative SPA contributes to memory decline, with loneliness as a partialmediator. The findings indicate that negative aging views can exacerbate feelings of socialisolation, further impacting cognitive health. Collectively, the findings of the three studiesindicate that social relationships play a critical role in the development of VoA, with bothxiiipositive and negative implications for aging and well-being. Theoretically, this researchintegrates the stereotype embodiment theory with the convoy model of social relations, offeringnew insights into the dynamic interplay between social interactions and the development of VoAacross the lifespan. This research has significant implications for social work, suggesting thatinterventions to improve older adults’ health and well-being could explore ways to improve thesocial dimensions of VoA. By enhancing understanding of how VoA is formed and evolves,interventions and policies can be developed to foster positive VoA across the lifespan, mitigatethe negative consequences of negative VoA on later-life health and well-being, and ultimatelyfoster an inclusive society for all ages.