If you think you are old and frail you will act old and frail, according to a new study by the University of Exeter.
The study showed that older adults who categorise themselves as old and frail encourage attitudinal and behavioural confirmation of that identity.
This is the conclusion of a study conducted by Krystal Warmoth and colleagues at University of Exeter Medical School, which is being presented at the British Psychological Society Annual Conference in Harrogate.
Researcher Krystal Warmoth interviewed 29 older adults in the South West of England face-to-face.
Interviews conducted asked about their experiences of ageing and frailty. Self-perception and identification related to one's health and participation in an active life.
The attitude could lead to a loss of interest in participating in social and physical activities, poor health, stigmatization, and reduced quality of life.
In the interviews 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 yourself 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 Warmoth concluded: "This study gives insight into the role of social psychological factors in older adults' health and activity."
