Subjective Time Perceptions and Aging Well: A Review of Concepts and Empirical Research - A Mini-Review

Abstract

Human beings impose subjective, time-related interpretations on their existence, and the experience of time is a major aspect of lifespan development. In this mini-review, we understand subjective time as the way individuals subjectively perceive and evaluate the passing of their personal “objective” lifetime. A broad range of constructs and operationalizations has been developed in (gero-) psychology to capture subjective time, including future time perspective, personal goals, or autobiographical memories. In order to theoretically integrate this yet loosely connected body of literature, we propose a conceptual model of subjective time concepts according to 2 dimensions: temporal direction (past, present, future) and thematic field (duration/expansion, time-ordered life content, and time-related evaluations, attitudes, and mindsets). This conceptual model of subjective time perceptions builds the foundation for a review of the empirical literature regarding associations of subjective time with developmental outcomes (i.e., subjective well-being and physical health) in middle and late adulthood. Empirical findings establish subjective time concepts as a consistent predictor of well-being and health. Positive subjective time perceptions (i.e., an expanded view of the future, a focus on positive past and future life content, and favorable time-related evaluations) were associated with higher well-being and better physical health, while negative subjective time perceptions in general were linked to lower levels of health and well-being. Contrasting past- and future-oriented subjective time perceptions, it appears that past-oriented subjective time perceptions have been studied primarily in relation to subjective well-being, while future-oriented time perceptions play a key role both with regard to physical health and well-being. In conclusion, we argue that a stronger integration of subjective time constructs into developmental regulation models may deepen our understanding of human development across the lifespan. To this end, we call for theoretical and empirical interlinkages between yet loosely connected conceptual developments related to subjective time. These endeavors should be paralleled by an extension of methodological procedures (e.g., implementation of longitudinal research designs as well as a focus on the oldest-old) in order to inform a “lifespan theory of subjective time.”

Economic Struggles, Resilience and Agency: Ageing Market Women Redefining 'Old' in Kampala, Uganda

“…Our fi ndings confi rm earlier scholars' arguments that what constitutes aging well or successful aging is multidimensional with a subjective component (Gabrian et al 2017;Miche et al 2014;Syme et al 2013) and is gendered (Sobal, Rauschenbach 2003). It could also mean that one has become old and yet has maintained physical health, is active, and has charisma and vigour (Anjali 2010;Menec 2003), and the older adult women vendors in the market did indeed exhibit these qualities.…”

Relative time and life course research

“…the rhythm of wider activities) to individuals (Droit et al, 2013).Time perspectives inventorySocioemotional selectivity theory's understanding of future time perspectives is concerned mainly with the finitude of life. It has been argued that a broader and multifaceted conceptualisation should include not only the quantity of time left to live but also how such future time is qualitatively evaluated, among other dimensions(Gabrian et al, 2017;Liao & Carstensen, 2018).…”

Future Time Perspective

“…The construct of future time perspective posited in SST concerns an awareness of the finitude of life, that is, simply perceiving more or less time left to realize goals. Of course, the broader concept of future time perspective is multifaceted (e.g., Brandtstädter & Rothermund, 2003; Brothers, Chiu, & Diehl, 2014; Gabrian, Dutt, & Wahl, 2017; Lang & Damm, 2017). Düzel et al (2018) employed neuroimaging to explore shared yet distinguishable neural correlates for anticipated time left for specific aspects of healthy lifestyles, viz., engagement in physical activities and novel exploration.…”