Views about getting older as predictors to self-esteem of professionals nearing retirement

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to measure the participants’ views on aging, as well as their self esteem. More so, it sought to determine if views of getting older significantly predicts theself-esteem of professionals nearing retirement. Method: A descriptive correlation design was used. Through convenience sampling, 100 pro fessionals nearing retirement were recruited and asked to answer the Aging Perceptions Questionnaire (APQ) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and multiple regressions were used. Results: The results revealed that both emotional representations and consequences positive statistically and significantly predicted self-esteem. This means that when individuals think less of the mentioned emotions, the higher their self-esteem will be. Conclusions: The findings of this study emphasized the importance of maintaining aged person’s self-worth, identity, sense of purpose and self-esteem which are usually lost prior to retirement. It highlights the most common age-related changes usually experienced by aged person.