The objective of this study is to test self-efficacy as a mediator in the relationship between three lifestyle activities (exercise, volunteering, and computer use) and self-perceptions of aging (SPA) among older adults. We hypothesize that increased self-efficacy will mediate the relationship between lifestyle activities and more positive SPA. This is a cross-sectional, secondary data analysis drawn from the 2016 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; n = 4,561). Bootstrapping procedures were applied to test the significance of the indirect effects of self-efficacy in the relationship between lifestyle activities and SPA. Results indicate significant direct effects between exercise, computer use, and self-efficacy. Direct effects were observed between exercise, volunteering, computer use, and SPA. Self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between exercise, volunteering, computer use, and SPA. Implications for practitioners working with older adults are discussed. Future research should test formal intervention programs aimed at reducing internalized ageism through additional pathways.

本研究的目的是测试自我效能感作为三种生活方式活动（锻炼、志愿服务和计算机使用）与老年人自我衰老认知 (SPA) 之间关系的中介因素。我们假设增加的自我效能感将调节生活方式活动与更积极的 SPA 之间的关系。这是从 2016 年健康与退休研究 (HRS; n= 4,561)。应用自举程序来测试自我效能感在生活方式活动与 SPA 之间的关系中的间接影响的重要性。结果表明锻炼、计算机使用和自我效能之间有显着的直接影响。在运动、志愿服务、计算机使用和 SPA 之间观察到直接影响。自我效能在锻炼、志愿服务、电脑使用和SPA之间的关系中部分中介。讨论了与老年人一起工作的从业者的影响。未来的研究应该测试旨在通过​​其他途径减少内在年龄歧视的正式干预计划。