Well-being affects changes in perceptual speed in advanced old age: longitudinal evidence for a dynamic link.
This study examined competing hypotheses about dynamic cross-domain associations between perceptual speed and well-being in advanced old age. We applied the bivariate dual change score model (J. J. McArdle & F. Hamagami, 2001) to 13-year incomplete longitudinal data from the Berlin Aging Study (P. B. Baltes & K. U. Mayer, 1999; N=516, 70-103 years at T1, M=85 years). Reports of well-being were found to influence subsequent decline in perceptual speed (time lags of 2 years). No evidence was found for a directed effect in the other direction. None of the potential covariates examined (initial health constraints, personality, and social participation) accounted for these differential lead-lag associations. Our results suggest that well-being is not only a consequence of but also a source for successful aging. The discussion focuses on conceptual implications and methodological considerations.
Gerstorf
Denis
D
Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany. gerstorf@virginia.edu
Lövdén
Martin
M
Röcke
Christina
C
Smith
Jacqui
J
Lindenberger
Ulman
U
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010153:Paired-Associate Learning; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D011930:Reaction Time; D013223:Statistics as Topic