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Cited by 212Optimism, Hope, and Well-beingAging and Gerontology ResearchHealth and Wellbeing Research

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 48 of the 50 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

Dispositional optimism and health behaviour in community‐dwelling older people: Associations with healthy ageing

Steptoe, Andrew*, Wright, Caroline, Kunz‐Ebrecht, Sabine R., Iliffe, Steve·2006·British Journal of Health Psychology
DOI 10.1348/135910705x42850
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Abstract

Objective Dispositional optimism measured with the Life Orientation Test has been associated with a variety of health outcomes. We assessed whether optimism was related to indices of healthy ageing, and if effects were mediated through health behaviours. Method A community sample of 128 men and women aged 65 to 80 years was recruited from general practice lists. Optimism and health behaviours were assessed by questionnaire, and healthy ageing indexed by physical health summary scores from the Short Form 36, and by self‐rated health. Results Optimism was associated with not smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, brisk walking, and vigorous physical activities (women only), independently of socio‐demographic factors and clinical condition. Physical health status was associated with optimism, independently of socio‐demographic factors, clinical condition, negative affectivity, and body mass. This effect was attenuated when health behaviours were taken into account. Self‐rated health was also positively related to optimism, and this association was not mediated by health behaviours. Neither the optimism nor pessimism subscales of the Life Orientation Test showed as consistent effects as the full scale. Conclusions We conclude that dispositional optimism is associated with healthy ageing. The relationship between optimism and healthy ageing was only partly mediated by the health behaviours assessed in this sample.

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Research works printed but not linked: 7

  1. Chang E. C., 2001, Optimism and pessimism
  2. Jenkinson C., 1996, The UK SF‐36: An analysis and interpretation manual
  3. Marmot M., 2003, Health, wealth and lifestyles of the older population in England
  4. 10.1037/0022-3514.67.6.1063 · DOI · Paper page
  5. 10.1037/0022-3514.56.4.640 · DOI
  6. Townsend P., 1988, Health and deprivation: Inequalities and the north
  7. Ware J. E., 1994, SF‐36 physical and mental health summary scales: A user manual

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Metadata

Authors
Steptoe, A., Wright, C., Kunz‐Ebrecht, S. R., & Iliffe, S.
Affiliations
University College London (GB)
Corresponding author
Steptoe, Andrew*
ORCID
Venue
British Journal of Health Psychology
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2006-02
Volume
11
Issue
1
Pages
71-84
ISSN
  • 1359-107X (ISSN-L)
  • 2044-8287
DOI
10.1348/135910705x42850
OpenAlex
W2062595366
Cited by
211
References
50
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 13 · 2022: 16 · 2021: 14 · 2020: 14 · 2019: 18 · 2018: 14 · 2017: 15 · 2016: 11 · 2015: 14 · 2014: 13 · 2013: 11 · 2012: 13
FWCI
5.43
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor, 1787 d)
Locations
  • British Journal of Health Psychology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • UCL Discovery (University College London) (submittedVersion)
Funders
Medical Research Council
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Optimism, Hope, and Well-being
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Aging and Gerontology Research
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Health and Wellbeing Research
Keywords
dispositional optimism, healthy aging, health behavior, older adults, Life Orientation Test, physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking, self-rated health, physical health, mediation, pessimism
MeSH terms
Affect, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Aging, Body Height, Body Weight, Chronic Disease, Female, Health Status, Humans, Male, Motor Activity, Surveys and Questionnaires, Residence Characteristics, Smoking, Health Behavior

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