Work

Declining Health and Sense of Mastery Can Explain the Inverse Relation Between Advanced Age and Wisdom

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Previous research found an inverse U-shaped association between age and different measures of wisdom, with the apex in late midlife. What might explain the negative relation between age and wisdom during the later years of life? This research investigated the impact of subjective physical health and mastery, using data from the Successful AGing Evaluation (SAGE) study of 976 adults between the ages of 51 and 99 years (M = 77.23, SD = 12.18). Physical health tends to decline with advancing years and, therefore, might reduce older adults’ sense of mastery and control over their lives, which might adversely affect their wisdom. Results showed that age correlated negatively with subjective health, wisdom, and mastery. In multivariate regression and path analyses, the negative relations of age and ill health on wisdom became non-significant after mastery was entered into the model. If wisdom declines in old age due to ill health that results in a perceived loss of mastery, enabling older adults to maintain their sense of control might preserve wisdom.

Source: Journal of Ageing and Longevity

DOI: 10.3390/jal6010024

Author: Monika Ardelt

Institution: University of Florida

Language: English

Topic: Aging and Gerontology Research

Subfield: Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207