Predictors of Perceptions of Aging in Young Adults: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

This study investigated whether religious affiliation and level of religiosity affect perceptions of aging among Millennials. I predicted that religiously-affiliated Millennials would have more positive views of aging than religiously-unaffiliated Millennials and that level of religiosity among religiously-affiliated Millennials would be positively related to perceptions of aging. A sample of 197 Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Atheist, and Agnostic Millennial participants completed questionnaires assessing their perceptions of aging and level of religiosity. Those who reported a religious affiliation had more positive perceptions of socio-emotional domains of aging than those who were religiously unaffiliated. Among the religiously affiliated subgroup, level of religiosity also was positively related to perceptions of several socio-emotional aspects of aging. Although no causal connections may be drawn, religious affiliation and religious teachings may promote more positive views of aging among Millennials. As religious decline is a continued phenomenon in the United States and, therefore, may lead to the loss of positive ideas about aging, this study calls for the implementation of programs within educational systems that not only educate individuals on aging but also promote positive ideas.