We now propose examining only cognitive functioning and survival as outcomes in these Aims. (In response to a question from one of the original proposal's reviewers, we conducted a preliminary study of physical functioning , using our proposed data, which supported our hypotheses as they relate to physical functioning.) For Aim 3, we originally proposed examining biological, behavioral, and psychological pathways. We now focus only on the biological pathway. These changes allow us to retain the essence of all the original Specific Aims in a two-year period. Further, we are able to reduce the originally proposed start-up time, because a portion of the data management was undertaken for the preliminary study.
Mental and physical functioning have major implications for the quality of life of older individuals. We plan to examine a largely unexplored social psychological factor that may benefit older individuals'long- term functioning: the age stereotypes that individuals absorb from their culture, starting as young as five and then continuing throughout the lifespan. By exploring the conditions under which positive age stereotypes influence aging health, our research could lay the groundwork for future research that focuses on enhancing the beneficial effect of positive age stereotypes on older individuals'health.
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