Age-related differences in time-use preferences : effects of motivational changes on decisions about time expenditure

As populations around the world age and human life expectancy is exceeding traditional social timetables, understanding age-related differences in time-use decisions is key to making the most of long lives. Life-span developmental theories postulate that selectivity, a life-long process of increased focus goals that fit existing constraints and opportunities, is at the heart of limited engagement with activities in older ages. In this dissertation, I test theoretical postulates based on socioemotional selectivity theory (Carstensen, 1993; 2006) explaining age-related differences in preferences for activities. I describe three postulates: 1) Age is associated with a preference for emotionally meaningful activities; 2) Age differences in perceived time horizons are guiding age-related preferences; 3) Time use decisions are more important for older adults than they are for younger adults because time is more precious when it is limited. In Study 1 (N=177, ages 18-93), I find that age is associated with experiencing more meaning in daily activities. I further find that this association may account for better emotional well-being with age. In Study 2 (N=289, ages 18-82) I developed a novel paradigm to examine age differences in preferences for activities. I find that older adults prefer emotionally meaningful activities over activities that satisfy future-oriented goals and give more weight than younger adults to emotional meaning in decisions about how to use their time. In Study 3 (N=555, ages 20-75) I manipulated time horizons in the specific context of work and examined their effect on preferences for work-related activities among employed adults. I find that when time horizons are left unspecified age is associated with a preference for helping colleagues over working on projects that serve future-oriented goals. As predicted, expanded time horizons reduced this preference, but so did limited time horizons. In Study 4, I examine whether older and younger adults approach decisions about new activities differently. I find that, consistent with my predictions, older age is associated with looking for more information about benefits of activities, and that the benefits older adults are interested in are emotionally meaningful. Findings from the studies in this dissertation form the basis on which to build future theoretical models explaining age-related selectivity in preferences for activities. Findings suggest that older age is associated with a focus on emotionally meaningful rewards. Findings suggest that older adults give more weight to emotional meaning in their time-use decisions than younger adults and give relatively little weight to other types of rewards. Findings further suggest that older adults may require more evidence that activities are worthwhile before committing to them than younger adults. Finally, findings highlight the role of future time horizons in shaping preferences for activities in different context. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed

Keywords: Psychology.
Advisor: Carstensen Laura L.
Knutson Brian
McClelland James L.