Domain-specific self-perceptions of aging are associated with different gait patterns in older adults: a cross-sectional latent profile analysis

Abstract

Background Previous studies have pointed to the impact of self-perceptions of aging (SPA) on self-reported physical function in later life. However, less is known about associations of SPA with objectively measured physical function, especially gait. Research that examined other psychological variables and objectively measured gait has focused on single gait parameters such as gait speed, which seems to fall short for the complexity of this movement. Some approaches have proposed ways to identify gait patterns in specific patient groups, but not in community samples. Our goal was (a) to identify gait patterns based on a combination of important gait parameters in a community sample, and (b) to investigate differential associations of gain- and loss-related SPA with these gait patterns. Methods The study used an electronic walkway to assess gait parameters of 150 community dwelling adults aged 71–93 years (61.0% women) at their usual and maximum gait speed. SPA were assessed with a questionnaire. We used latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify groups exhibiting distinct gait patterns and binary logistic regression to investigate associations of SPA with these groups, controlling for personality traits, number of illnesses, age, gender, and education. To compare overall function between groups, a t-test for scores in the Short Physical Performance Battery was used. Results LPA revealed two distinct groups in both gait speed conditions. The fit group exhibited a stable, well-coordinated and faster gait pattern, while the functionally limited group’s gait pattern was less stable, less coordinated and slower. The odds of belonging to the functionally limited group were increased by loss-related SPA at usual gait speed, while the odds of belonging to the fit group were increased by gain-related SPA at individual maximum speed. Conclusions The findings (a) suggest LPA as a useful approach to investigate complex gait patterns considering several gait parameters simultaneously, and (b) provide first evidence for differential associations of gain- and loss-related SPA with gait patterns at usual and maximum gait speed. Intervention studies addressing gait in older adults should additionally address gain-related views on aging.

Association between positive control in self-perceptions of aging and motoric cognitive risk syndrome among Chinese community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study

“…Similarly, high levels of personal mastery predicated fewer subjective memory complaints [ 36 ]. Although only negative control rather than other dimensions of SPA predicted lower walking speed [ 26 ], older adults who endorsed more positive SPA were more likely to exhibit a stable, fast gait at maximum speed [ 37 ].…”

Cognitive flexibility's role in shaping self-perception of aging, body appreciation, and self-efficacy among community-dwelling older women

“…Numerous studies emphasize the importance of comprehending the personal experiences of older women as they age rather than relying solely on objective measures like physical health and social engagement [ 2 , 3 ]. Self-perception of aging (SPA) refers to an individual's assessment of their aging process, which goes beyond their chronological age [ 4 ].…”

“…Self-perception of aging (SPA) refers to an individual's assessment of their aging process, which goes beyond their chronological age [ 4 ]. SPA encompasses how people categorize themselves within a specific age group and how old they feel [ 3 ]. SPA is a self-fulfilling prophecy, and the age a person feels strongly predicts their well-being and long-term health beyond chronological age [ 5 ].…”

“…Research has shown that older women with positive self-perception and body appreciation tend to have better health outcomes [ 3 ] and higher levels of perceived self-efficacy [ 9 ]. Furthermore, stereotypes about aging can influence an individual's self-efficacy beliefs and expectations in specific domains [ 10 ].…”