Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2014
Description
Aging is associated with an increase in need for assistance. Preparation for future care (PFC) is related to improved coping ability as well as better mental and physical health outcomes among older adults. We examined the association of optimism with components of PFC among older adults. We also explored race differences in the relationship between optimism and PFC. In Study 1, multiple regression showed that optimism was positively related to concrete planning. In Study 2, optimism was related to gathering information. An exploratory analysis combining the samples yielded a race interaction: For Whites higher optimism, but for Blacks lower optimism was associated with more planning. High optimism may be a barrier to future planning in certain social and cultural contexts.
Posted Versions
Post-Print
Citation Information
Sörensen, Silvia; Hirsch, Jameson K.; and Lyness, Jeffrey M.. 2014. Optimism and Planning for Future Care Needs Among Older Adults. GeroPsych. Vol.27(1). 5-22. https://doi.org/10.1024/1662-9647/a000099 ISSN: 1662-9647
Included in
Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms Commons, Health Psychology Commons, Public Health Commons
Copyright Statement
© © 2014 Hogrefe Publishing. This document is an author manuscript from PMC. The publisher's final edited version of this article is available at GeroPsych.