Positive aging for all? The protective effect of positive views on aging in precarious circumstances

Abstract

Background: Precariousness, defined as lack of security for retirement, can influence aging and result in health inequalities in old age. Methods: A mixed methods approach was used to explore differences in psychosocial resources that middle-aged individuals from precarious and financially secure backgrounds use for positive aging and whether positive views on aging can compensate for lacking resources in midlife. Data from the German Ageing Survey (N=1,888 in the secure group, N=521 in the precarious group) were analyzed to explore the relation between resources, health and well-being, and to compare strategies used by precarious and financially secure individuals. Semi-structured interviews with middle-aged persons (N=20) from these two categories were analyzed in order to further explain the quantitative findings. Findings: Precarious individuals have less resources for positive aging. However, having a positive view on aging can compensate for insufficient resources.Qualitative findings showed differences in strategies for resource management and perceptions of positive aging. Discussion: Findings underlie the importance of positive views on aging as a resource for healthy aging interventions.