Future time perspective in later adulthood: Review and research directions

Abstract

The degree of experimental and quantitative detail which can be imposed on older adults' temporal experiences remains a significant area for investigation. This paper surveys material related to this general area of study, taking primarily a psychological focus. Review of this literature suggests that while a basic future time orientation is not significantly affected in later life, older adults are at-risk of developing a less extended and less full personal future. However, research has been almost exclusively cross-sectional,, and our empirical knowledge concerning the functional impact of such changes, should they occur, is minimal. In addition, although several correlates of older adults' future time perspective have been reported, normative directions of causal relationship have not been determined. Consequently, while much of our data are varied, interesting, and insightful, they are at present difficult to organize or apply. Research should be pursued on several fronts, including prospective designs, the use of time perspective as a predictor and outcome variable, model development, and close association with temporal concepts in social gerontology.

Psychometric properties of time attitude scores in young, middle, and older adult samples

“…Some empirical evidence supports this notion. Studies have shown how an orientation toward the future increases through adolescence (Steinberg et al, 2009) and decreases between younger and older adulthood (Cate & John, 2007;Lang & Carstensen, 2002;Rakowski, 1979). However, this research is limited because different conceptualizations and measures of time perspective have been employed.…”

“…Developmental theories suggest that time perspective will be related to age across the life-span (Carstensen, 2006;Erikson, 1968;Lewin, 1939;Mello & Worrell, 2015;Piaget, 1955). Cross-sectional studies focusing solely on the future have shown that between childhood and young adulthood, an orientation toward the future increased with age (Steinberg et al, 2009), whereas research with younger and older adults has indicated that future time perspectives become increasingly limited with age (Lang & Carstensen, 2002;Rakowski, 1979). A study on future opportunities also showed a decline from young adulthood to middle age and stability from early to late middle age (Cate & John, 2007).…”

Demographic Indicators as Predictors of Future Time Perspective

“…With a few exceptions, previous studies have shown that high levels of future time perspective are associated with being married, being a man, having a high income, and having achieved high levels of education (Bortner and Hultsch 1974;Glass and Kilpatrick 1998;Gonzalez and Zimbardo 1985;Rakowski 1979). Studies that have examined the relationship between age and future time perspective have resulted in equivocal findings (Fingerman and Perlmutter 1995;Rakowski 1979).…”

“…Studies that have examined the relationship between age and future time perspective have resulted in equivocal findings (Fingerman and Perlmutter 1995;Rakowski 1979). Taken together, these studies have largely relied on small samples with truncated age ranges representing different points in the lifespan.…”

La perspective future, facteur de santé mentale chez les personnes âgées

“…Il convient de se demander ce qu'il advient de cette dimension importante de la personnalité et de son fonctionnement au cours de la vieillesse. Cette question a suscité de nombreuses recherches (voir revues de Bouffard, 1988;Kastenbaum, 1982;Rakowski, 1979). Dans notre programme de recherches, nous avons abordé l'extension de la PF en relation avec les variables socio-démographiques habituelles (Bouffard et al, 1989;Bouffard et al 1991 a (sous presse) et, en particulier, avec l'âge chronologique (Bouffard et al, 1991 b (sous presse).…”