Work

Self-perceptions of aging, race-based discrimination, and total cognition among diverse older adults

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Research drawing from stereotype embodiment theory suggests that positive self-perceptions of aging (SPA) are associated with enhanced cognitive function among older adults. While everyday discrimination is associated with negative SPA and reduced cognitive function, the relationship between race-based discrimination, SPA, and cognitive function remains unknown. Therefore, we drew from the Health and Retirement Study to examine associations between SPA, race-based discrimination, and cognition among a racially diverse sample of adults 50+ years of age (N = 5,949) between 2014 and 2020. We computed weighted descriptive statistics and estimated mixed-effect regression models, adjusting for theoretically informed covariates. Among respondents who primarily attributed everyday discrimination to race (N = 894), the self-reported racial identity profile was 46.17% Black/African American, 40.73% White, 9% Asian, and 4.53% Indigenous, with 18.19% reporting Hispanic ethnicity. Those who primarily attributed discrimination to race reported the highest standardized everyday discrimination scores (0.72) and lowest standardized SPA scores (-0.19) on average. Overall, more positive SPA was associated with higher cognition (b = 0.49). In mixed-effect models adjusted for upstream predictors of cognition (age, time on study, sex, race, ethnicity, education, income), more frequent experiences of everyday discrimination were associated with lower cognition scores (b=-0.12), but race-based attributions were not associated with differences in cognition. In models stratified by discrimination attributions (no attribution, any race-based attribution, other attributions), SPA was consistently associated with higher cognition scores. These findings may suggest the importance of upstream interventions to promote positive SPA as part of efforts to mitigate the effects of racial discrimination on cognitive health in later life.

Source: Innovation in Aging

DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igaf122.3651

Authors: Andrew Steward, Cliff Whetung, Yura Lee, Tyrone Hamler

Institutions: University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, University of Minnesota, Duluth, University of Denver

Language: English

Topic: Aging and Gerontology Research

Subfield: Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,977