How Relationships Shape How We Feel About Aging

The way we view aging is not set in stone. It can change over time and is influenced by the people around us. A recent study looked at how support and stress from family and friends affect how older adults see themselves aging. The study followed over 22, 000 adults for twelve years, from 2008 to 2020. The findings were interesting. Spouses play a big role. When older adults feel supported by their spouse, they tend to have a more positive view of aging. On the flip side, if there is stress in the marriage, it can make them feel less positive about aging. But here's a twist: stress from other family members and friends did not make them feel worse about aging. In fact, it made some feel better about getting older. This might be because dealing with stress from others can make a person feel stronger and more capable. Support from children, however, did not seem to make a difference. This could be because children often have their own lives and may not be as involved in their parents' daily lives. The study also found that support from friends did not affect how older adults felt about aging. So, what does this all mean? It shows that our relationships are complex and can affect us in different ways. The study suggests that future research should look into why these relationships have such different effects. Maybe it's about how we think, feel, or even our health. Understanding these connections can help us age better and live happier lives.