Cross-Sectional Associations Between Personal and General Views on Aging and Future Care Preparation in Individuals Aged 50 and Over and Living in the United Kingdom

Introduction: Future care preparation refers to those processes during which individuals discuss with healthcare professionals or family members about their future care. This study investigated whether views on aging are associated with future care preparation and whether age moderates these associations. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey with 1,699 participants (mean age = 68 years). Views on aging indicators were perceived age-related gains and losses and expectations regarding aging. Linear regressions were used. Results: Higher perceived age-related gains (B = 0.12; p-value <0.001) and losses (B = 0.16; p-value <0.001) and less positive expectations regarding physical health while aging (B = −0.11; p-value <0.05) were associated with higher future care preparation. Age did not moderate any association. Discussion: Given the importance of future care preparation in ensuring optimal health outcomes for older adults, encouraging older adults to have open and frank conversations about their views on aging may be an important first step in eliciting care needs.