{
  "id": 1517311,
  "title": "Personal expectations of aging shape our social lives",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/personal-expectations-of-aging-shape-our-social-lives",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-17T16:40:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-08-personal-aging-social.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Our expectations for how we will age play a significant role in shaping our social lives, according to research from psychologists at the University of Vienna. Two studies have demonstrated that people who expect to maintain close family ties, friendships, and social engagement throughout their later years actually spend more time with loved ones and engage in voluntary activities. This effect was particularly pronounced in family relationships in later adulthood.\n\nIn a second study, researchers followed 109 adults aged 50-85 over a two-week period, tracking their social interactions and perceptions of aging daily. People who perceived their aging more positively reported more positive social experiences, while perceiving age-related losses led to more stressful interactions. The researchers suggest that expectations influence what people pay attention to, their goals, and how they interpret social situations.\n\nThose who expect to be lonely in old age are more likely to anticipate rejection and avoid social connections, while those who expect close friendships and a fulfilling family life are more motivated to maintain relationships and engage in shared activities. This means that perceptions of old age are not fixed but can change over time and be consciously influenced. Ristl emphasizes the importance of a realistic view of aging, recognizing both potential losses and opportunities for personal development and new relationships. By fostering positive perceptions of aging, society could help prevent loneliness and social isolation, particularly important given the increasing focus on these challenges in Austria and worldwide.",
  "summary": "What we expect from our own aging is not merely a notion. In two recent studies, an international research team led by psychologist Christina Ristl from the University of Vienna has shown that our expectations regarding our own aging can help shape our social lives over many years and even influence how we experience everyday encounters. The findings point to a psychological mechanism known as a…",
  "key_points": [
    "Expectations for aging influence social lives, study finds",
    "Positive aging perceptions lead to more social engagement",
    "Negative aging expectations increase stress and loneliness"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}