Subjective Aging and Age Identity: A Review

Abstract

Subjective age is a concept that represents the age experienced by the individual subjectively. Traditionally, it is asked, “how old do you feel?”. However, over time, various sub-dimensions have been defined and examined in various studies. Studies on the concept of subjective age and its sub-dimension, age identity were reviewed in this review. According to studies, an individual's subjective age is a factor that determines well-being, health, motivation, social participation, and experiences in the aging process. Contrary to the chronological age, which is accepted as the onset of old age, the subjectivity of the aging process and the contexts in which the aging process takes place to determine whether the individual feels old and other factors on which this situation is effective. Moreover, while age identity is affected by the social structure and life situation, it also affects the later experiences of the individual. In this sense, it is revealed that there is a bidirectional relationship with the life situation but the subjective experiences of the aging individual should be taken into account when conducting age-related studies.

Keywords

• algılanmış yaş
• kronolojik yaş
• öznel yaş
• öznel yaşlanma
• yaş kimliği
• age identity
• chronological age
• perceived age
• subjective age
• subjective aging