The attitudes to ageing questionnaire for young adults (AAQ-Y): development and psychometric properties

Grocott, Hannah (2019) The attitudes to ageing questionnaire for young adults (AAQ-Y): development and psychometric properties. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Population ageing is one of the defining problems of this century. Developments in life-saving and life-lengthening treatments for physical health have made issues of ageing and well-being in later life a global priority. Ageing is complex, individual and multifaceted, experienced differently at different life stages. Loneliness, previously considered a well-being indicator of old age, is becoming an issue of public and political interest. Loneliness has implications for physical and mental health, incurring a cost to the individual and society. In the context of an ageing population, attitudes to ageing are highly relevant. Negative attitudes have been associated with poorer social, psychological and physical health outcomes in later life. The attitudes of young adults to ageing from a multidimensional perspective are less well understood.

This thesis portfolio speaks to issues of ageing, with a focus on the attitudes and experiences of young adults. It is comprised of a systematic review of the prevalence of loneliness in young and older adults, and the factors associated with loneliness. An empirical paper concerned with developing a valid and reliable questionnaire to access young adults’ attitudes to ageing, the Attitudes to Ageing Questionnaire for Young Adults (AAQ-Y) is presented.

Findings from the systematic review suggest loneliness is prevalent amongst young adults and further research into the risk factors and role of age-related transitions is needed. The empirical paper found a questionnaire based on items developed from a tool used with older adults (the Attitudes to Ageing Questionnaire) does not translate well when used with younger populations. Findings are discussed in relation to current literature and suggestions made for future research adopting a stage of ageing perspective, to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being across the lifespan.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Users 11011 not found.
Date Deposited:	18 Oct 2019 11:25
Last Modified:	18 Oct 2019 11:25
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/72695
DOI:

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