engleski

Age differences in perceived age norms

The aim of this study was to examine the age differences in individual's perceptions of age norms, i.e. the designation of the most suitable ages for various age-related attributes. The subjective age (feel-, look-, do-, interest-age) ideal age, best age for life events (job, responsibilities and accomplishments) as well as chronological age, gender and education level were assesed using the self-reports of 199 subjects aged 18 &#8211 ; 79 years (M = 39.3). As expected on the basis of previous studies in age identification, our subjects showed youtful age identity. The mean difference between subjective and chronological age was 3.5 years in the overall sample, while the discrepancy between ideal age and chronological age was 11 years. The subject's perceptions of various age norms were analysed by analysis of variance in three age groups (18-30 years, 31-50 years, 51-79 years). The results showed that the older persons select an older age as the time when one accomplishes most and has most responsibilities in life. Also, the older persons choose older age as the transitional points between youth, middle age and old age. In all three age groups subjects selected younger age as the best age for accomplishments and responsibilities for women than for men.

Cognitive age; Chronological age; Desired age

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