Many people of relatively robust old age must have suspected friends of simply giving in to it. But how much have expectations of adverse impacts shaped the way they are reacting, how their spending, whether they are continuing to travel? Now psychologists have attempted to apply some rationale to such concerns. In two recent studies, an international research team led by psychologist Christina Ristl from the University of Vienna have detected a psychological mechanism known as a “self-fulfilling prophecy.” By tracking one group of people over a period of years and another daily they found, for example. that it was not an active social life that led to more positive expectations of old age. Rather, more positive expectations preceded subsequent behavior. It is possible, says Ristl, that such expectations influence what people pay attention to, what goals they pursue and how they interpret social situations, Those who expect to be lonely in old age are more likely to anticipate rejection. Maintaining social contacts might therefore seem pointless. By contrast, those who expect to have close friendships and a fulfilling family life later in life are more likely to stay in touch, suggest shared activities and invest in relationships. Perceptions of old age therefore do not merely describe a possible future—they can influence what future we consider possible and how we shape our lives.”
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