Perceived ageism, macro-level sociopolitical factors, and subjective well-being
A cross-national study of older adults in 43 societies
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12440706 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Xi Chen (0000-0002-2058-0351, Lingnan University Department of Sociology and Social Policy, , 8 Castle Peak Road, Tuen Mun , Hong Kong), Fei Meng (0000-0001-5541-1745, Lingnan University Department of Sociology and Social Policy, , 8 Castle Peak Road, Tuen Mun , Hong Kong) |
| Editors | Samuele Zilioli Samuele Zilioli |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 80 |
| Issue | 12 |
| Publication date | 2025-10-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | The Journals of Gerontology Series B (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1079-5014 • E-ISSN: 1758-5368 |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1093/geronb/gbaf191 |
| PMID | 41069330 |
| OpenAlex | W4415024193 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 50 |
Objectives Ageism against older adults is a global concern with significant implications for health and well-being. While the individual-level consequences of ageism are well-documented, the moderating role of structural sociopolitical factors remains underexplored. This study addresses these gaps by examining the relationship between perceived ageism and subjective well-being among older adults and investigating how macro-level sociopolitical conditions (e.g., economic conditions, political systems, cultural values) moderate these effects. Methods : We utilized data from the World Values Survey (Wave 6), comprising 15,697 older adults (aged 55+) across 43 countries. Perceived ageism was measured by negative age-related stereotypes and perceived social status devaluation. Subjective well-being was assessed using life satisfaction and happiness. Macro-level sociopolitical moderators included gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, political stability, individualism, and long-term orientation. Results : Perceived ageism was negatively associated with both life satisfaction and happiness, after adjusting for sociodemographic variables and macro-level sociopolitical factors. Higher GDP per capita mitigated these adverse effects, suggesting that economic prosperity buffers against the negative impact of ageism. Conversely, political stability unexpectedly amplified the detrimental effects of ageism on subjective well-being. Additionally, long-term cultural orientation strengthened the negative association between age-related stereotypes and well-being, while individualism did not exhibit a significant moderating effect. Discussion : These findings highlight the crucial role of structural conditions in shaping the well-being outcomes of ageism. By demonstrating how economic and political contexts influence the consequences of ageism, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers aiming to develop targeted interventions and policies that promote the well-being of older populations
Aging and Gerontology Research · Health disparities and outcomes · Optimism, Hope, and Well-being
Multilevel Analysis
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Perceptions of aging across 26 cultures and their culture-level associates.
Global reach of ageism on older persons’ health
Ageism and Psychological Well-Being Among Older Adults
Relationship Between Subjective Social Status and Measures of Health in Older Taiwanese Persons
Mental health in complex emergencies
How Young and Older Adults Differ in Their Responses to Perceived Age Discrimination.
The stereotype-matching effect
Subjective wellbeing, health, and ageing
Relationship of subjective and objective social status with psychological and physiological functioning
Democracy and Development
Cross-Cultural Comparisons in Implicit and Explicit Age Bias
Ageism Linked to Culture, Not Demographics
Subjective Social Status of Older People Across Countries
Perceived Age Discrimination
Reducing Cardiovascular Stress With Positive Self-Stereotypes of Aging
Revisiting the Paradox of Well-being
Culture Linked to Increasing Ageism During Covid-19
The relative importance of personal beliefs, meta-stereotypes and societal stereotypes of age for the wellbeing of older people
Stability and the justification of social inequality
Not Only Individualism
Stereotype Embodiment
The role of stereotyping in system-justification and the production of false consciousness
Socioeconomic status and health
The post-war public health effects of civil conflict
Modern attitudes toward older adults in the aging world
Perceived Age Discrimination and Mental Health
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |