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Current Aging Science

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ISSN (Print): 1874-6098
ISSN (Online): 1874-6128

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Research Article

How do “Young-old” Adults Project their Self? A Study of Self-defining Future Projections in Normal Ageing

Author(s): Alain Fritsch*, Virginie Voltzenlogel and Christine Cuervo-Lombard

Volume 16, Issue 3, 2023

Published on: 19 April, 2023

Page: [199 - 210] Pages: 12

DOI: 10.2174/1874609816666230330092556

Price: $65

Abstract

Background: Self-defining future projections (SDFP) are mental representations of plausible and highly significant future events that provide core information of one’s understanding of self.

Objective: We explored SDFPs in a large sample of older adults and aimed to target the interrelations between the main dimensions of SDFPs. Moreover, correlations between these dimensions and clinical and cognitive variables were examined.

Methods: We recruited 87 young-old adults (60-75 years) with normal cognitive functioning who were asked to generate three SDFPs.

Results: We found integrative meaning as a salient dimension and older individuals preferentially generated projections containing leisure or relationship events. Anxiety and self-esteem were correlated with integrative meaning and high executive functioning was found to be protective towards the simulation of future events containing dependence and death or end-of-life events.

Conclusion: This study will contribute to the understanding of personal goals and identity in normal ageing.

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