Open AccessExpectations regarding aging among ethnically diverse undergraduates in Japan: a life course perspective on anticipated health and meaning in later life
Author(s) -
Michael Annear,
Tetsuhiro Kidokoro,
Yasuo Shimizu
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
international journal of ageing and later life
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.341
H-Index - 15
ISSN - 1652-8670
DOI - 10.3384/ijal.1652-8670.3335
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , psychology , life course approach , gerontology , successful aging , meaning (existential) , descriptive statistics , perspective (graphical) , mental health , cognition , clinical psychology , developmental psychology , social psychology , qualitative research , medicine , sociology , psychiatry , social science , statistics , mathematics , artificial intelligence , computer science , psychotherapist
This study explored expectations regarding aging among a diverse cohort of undergraduates in Japan. A concurrent mixed methods design was employed with online administration of the Expectations Regarding Aging scale (ERA-12), and open-format and demographic questions among 133 culturally diverse undergraduates in Tokyo. Independent samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), descriptive statistics, and thematic analysis were used to explore the data. ERA-12 scores and physical and cognitive function subscale results revealed negative perceptions about the aging process, while scores on the mental health subscale were significantly higher and positive. No significant differences emerged based on gender or cultural background. Qualitative data analysis revealed student awareness of lifestyle influences on health in later life, concerns about current health and risk factors, and potential to transcend negative physical changes by finding meaning in other aspects of life. Understanding expectations regarding aging among younger cohorts may inform gerontological education and public health promotion to support a life course approach to healthy aging.