Thinking you're old and frail may speed up ageing process

Older adults who categorise themselves as old and frail may be speeding up the process, according to Exeter University researchers. A study conducted by Krystal Warmoth and colleagues at University of Exeter Medical School, is being presented at the British Psychological Society Annual Conference in Harrogate. Krystal interviewed 29 older adults in the South West of England face-to-face. Interviews conducted asked about their experiences of ageing and frailty. They found attitude could lead to a loss of interest in participating in social and physical activities, poor health, stigmatization, and reduced quality of life. One respondent stated it clearly: “If people think that they are old and frail, they will act like they're old and frail.” A cycle of decline was also described whereby perceiving oneself as frail was felt to lead to disengaging in activities that could reduce the likelihood of frailty (such as physical exercise) and, in turn, more health and functioning problems. Krystal concluded: “This study gives insight into the role of social psychological factors in older adults’ health and activity.” The study is supported by the National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care in the South West Peninsula (NIHR PenCLAHRC).