Self-perceptions of aging and social goals.

Abstract

Existing research shows a clear link between the way people experience the aging process (i.e., self-perceptions of aging) and their health, cognitive abilities, and well-being. In contrast, there is little research on the association between self-perceptions of aging and social functioning. This study examines the relationship between awareness of age-related gains and losses as two facets of self-perceptions of aging and social approach and avoidance goals. Social approach goals (i.e., goals that focus on positive, desirable social outcomes) and social avoidance goals (i.e., goals that focus on negative, undesirable social outcomes) play a fundamental role in shaping individuals' social experiences and behaviors. We hypothesize that awareness of age-related gains is associated with social approach goals, whereas awareness of age-related losses is associated with social avoidance goals. In an experience sampling study with N = 117 participants aged 18-85 years (M = 40.4, SD = 17.1), we examined interindividual differences in participants' awareness of age-related gains and losses and how these relate to social goals. We focused on social goals in everyday social situations (aggregated state) and as individual dispositions (trait). As hypothesized, awareness of age-related gains was positively associated with social approach (but not avoidance) goals, while awareness of age-related losses was positively associated with social avoidance (but not approach) goals. These associations largely persisted even after controlling for age. These findings suggest that perceptions of age-related gains and losses are important factors in how people navigate their social lives. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).