AGE DIFFERENCES IN EXPOSURE AND EMOTIONAL RESPONSES TO DAILY POSITIVE EVENTS

Positive events may facilitate aging-related improvements in emotional well-being. This study examined age differences in exposure and responses to daily positive events. In the MIDUS Refresher Study, 782 participants ages 26–77 completed telephone interviews about their daily experiences for 8 days...

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Published in:Innovation in aging 2017-07, Vol.1 (suppl_1), p.673-673
Main Authors: Sin, N.L., Gruenewald, T.L., Ong, A.D., Almeida, D., Charles, S.T.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Positive events may facilitate aging-related improvements in emotional well-being. This study examined age differences in exposure and responses to daily positive events. In the MIDUS Refresher Study, 782 participants ages 26–77 completed telephone interviews about their daily experiences for 8 days. Age was associated with more frequent positive events, occurring on 67% of days among younger adults (ages 26–39), 76% of days among midlife adults (ages 40–59), and 81% of days among older adults (ages 60–77). Older adults were more likely to enjoy nature and report network events (i.e., events that happened to family/friends); there were no age differences in positive work, home, or social interaction events. Older adults rated their events as more pleasant and calm, whereas younger adults felt more surprised and close to others. Consistent with theories of emotional aging, findings suggest older adults experience more daily positive events and derive low-activation positive emotions from these events.
ISSN:2399-5300
2399-5300
DOI:10.1093/geroni/igx004.2395