The Malleability of Possible Selves and Expectations Regarding Aging

Abstract

Many people are apprehensive about old age and their future years. This pilot study sought to improve participants’ sense of possibility in, and expectations for, old age. Students and middle-aged volunteers completed a survey including the Expectations Regarding Aging 38-item questionnaire (ERA-38) and a possible-selves questionnaire before and after a positive-aging-intervention presentation. While there were no significant possible-selves changes, respondents demonstrated an improvement in expectations about aging. This study demonstrates the potential for a brief positive aging intervention to impact expectations for the future. Implications for decision making and health choices are discussed.