Intergenerational Contact as a Moderator Between Perceptions of Aging and Sedentary Behaviors

Date of Conferral

10-30-2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Gregory Hickman

Abstract

Engaging in high levels of sedentary behavior leads to increased health problems and a decreased quality of life in adults aged 75 and older. Negative perceptions of aging are shown to increase sedentary behavior time. Simultaneously reducing negative perceptions of aging and sedentary behavior time aligns with the need to improve the quality of life in old to oldest–old adults and reduce the projected burden of healthcare to come with population aging. Despite the significant role intergenerational contact has in reducing negative perceptions of aging, little research has examined the moderating role of intergenerational contact between negative perceptions of aging and sedentary behavior time. Allport’s contact theory was the theoretical framework for this study, in which the relationship between intergenerational contact, negative perceptions of aging, and sedentary behaviors in adults aged 75 and over were investigated. Quantitative data were collected from a sample size of 70 using a cross–sectional web–based, mail–in, and in–person survey. The findings showed a positive and significant influence of intergenerational contact in moderating the relationship between negative perceptions of aging and sedentary behaviors in adults aged 75 and over. Future research stemming from this study should include the mediating role of intergenerational contact in the relationship between negative perceptions of aging and sedentary behavior. Addressing sedentary behavior through lifespan interventions may support positive social change by decreasing implicit and explicit attitudes toward aging, therefore improving health and quality of life in older adults.

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