Predictors of Attitudes toward Aging in Middle-Aged Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study

Marzieh Mohamadzadeh; Nasibeh Zanjari; Zahra  Aliakbarzadeh Arani; Hamidreza Shoraka; Razieh Pirouzeh

doi:10.18502/ijps.v19i4.16556

Marzieh Mohamadzadeh Semelghan Health Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.
Nasibeh Zanjari Iranian Research Center on Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Zahra Aliakbarzadeh Arani Department of Gerontology, Medicine School, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
Hamidreza Shoraka Department of Public Health, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran.
Razieh Pirouzeh Department of Public Health, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijps.v19i4.16556

Keywords: Attitudes toward Aging; Iran; Income Adequacy; Middle-Aged; Social Support

Abstract

Objective: Attitudes toward aging (ATA) are among the most important determinants of well-being in old age. However, little research has examined factors contributing to their formation in middle-aged individuals. This study aimed to investigate predictors of attitudes toward aging among Iranian middle-aged individuals in 2022.

Method: This study recruited 330 people with a mean age of 56.5 ± 5.6 using multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected using a three-part questionnaire, including demographic factors, an attitude toward aging questionnaire (AAQ), and a multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS). The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS (v.22) statistical software to conduct t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and linear regression.

Results: According to bivariate analysis, perceived social support (PSS), age, level of education, and perceived income adequacy (PIA) had a significant relation with the total ATA score (P < 0.05). According to regression analysis, family support (β = 0.288, P < 0.001), friend support (β = 0.188, P < 0.001), significant others support (β = 0.130, P = 0.04), age (β = 0.118, P = 0.002), and PIA (β = 0.290, P < 0.001) were the predictor factors of ATA and explained 41% of the variance. PSS and PIA were the predictors of all dimensions of ATA.

Conclusion: The results highlight the role of potentially modifiable factors, such as PSS, PIA, and level of education, in shaping ATA. This requires interventions and policies that effectively promote social and financial support in middle-aged individuals.