Self-Perceptions of Aging Predict Adjustment During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Individuals faced extraordinary challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, psychosocial strengths may promote individuals' adjustment during times of challenge. Positive self-perceptions of aging (SPA) have been found to predict a variety of health and well-being indicators outside the context of the pandemic. In the present study, we examined SPA (measured prior to the pandemic) as a prospective predictor of COVID-19-related behavior, adaptation, and functioning in a sample of 3,620 adults (Mage = 65.88; 61.1% women; 65.4% White) from the 2016 to 2020 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Linear regressions revealed that more positive SPA in 2016 were associated with a higher likelihood of socially distanced behavior (β = .07, p < .001), less worry (β = −.27, p < .001), less stress (β = −.24, p < .001), less loneliness (β = −.27, p < .001), and greater positive functioning (β = .20, p < .001) during the first year of the pandemic (2020). Confounding variables explained SPA's associations with preventive behavior and (to an extent) socially distanced behavior. Findings support SPA theories, suggesting linkages between SPA and flexible, adaptive behaviors and outcomes in the face of external challenges. Public Significance Statement The present study sheds light on positive self-perceptions of aging as potential pathways for supporting healthy behavior and functioning in response to the health and well-being challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings highlight the importance of positive self-perceptions of aging as protective resources in the context of challenges, and emphasize the value of policy to support positive views of aging and address the impact of societal ageism.