Beliefs, Perceptions, and Concepts of Old Age Among Participants of a University of the Third Age

The objective of the study was to identify correlations between beliefs, perceptions, and concepts about old age and personal experience of aging among older persons attending a public university for the third age. Participants were 256 older adults with a mean age of 67 ± 5.54 years, 69% female. The study protocol included sociodemographic data, the Beliefs Toward aging scale, and tailored questions to assess perceptions of old age and personal aging and concepts regarding a good old age. There was a trend toward positive and neutral beliefs; the assigned age for the beginning of old age was 68 years; participants did not identify with being old; notions of a good old age were associated with physical health, good personal relationships, expectations for the future, and satisfaction with life. The multivariate analysis indicated two significantly distinct groups in terms of age, beliefs, and concepts of good old age. On an individual level, the study participants failed to acknowledge their own aging.