234 - EXPLORING OLD AGE IN THE ITALIAN POPULATION: REPRESENTATION AND CULTURAL SYMBOLIC CATEGORIES IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS.

Session: P_D08S001 - Poster Session 1 - Division 8
AUTHORS:
Di Trani Michela (Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, ~ Rome ~ Italy) , Cordella Barbara (Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, ~ Rome ~ Italy) , Greco Francesca (Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, Italy, ~ Udine ~ Italy) , Argenti Elena (Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, ~ Rome ~ Italy) , Galiccia Ambra (Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Italy ~ Bergamo ~ Italy) , Gattuso Maria (Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Italy ~ Bergamo ~ Italy) , Greco Andrea (Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Italy ~ Bergamo ~ Italy) , Morganti Francesca (Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Italy ~ Bergamo ~ Italy)
Abstract text:
Introduction. The global demographic trend shows increasing life expectancy, with European countries like Italy having a high proportion of older adults. In order to pursue the goal of healthy aging and design effective health promotion interventions, understanding how aging is defined and perceived is crucial. This study analyzes the representation of aging among individuals in two different Italian cities, to see if geographical context influences their perspective.
Methods. Ninety-seven participants aged 55-75 were interviewed about their experience of aging, and the interview texts (145,066 tokens) were analyzed using Emotional Text Mining. Aging is seen as a transitional process involving family responsibilities, shifting work roles, and dealing with retirement.
Results. Text analysis showed that concerns about mental and physical decline are common, with individuals comparing their current situation to their past or to that of their loved ones. Approaches to aging vary, with some being resigned to it, while others engage proactively, focusing on family or social contexts. Geographical and age-based differences were found: Bergamo respondents were more accepting of aging, concerned about their health, and socially active, while Rome respondents emphasized their care of the family dimension. Participants under 65 focused on ending work, while those over 65 focused on the vulnerabilities of aging.
Conclusion. Addressing individuals needs and considering contextual variables could enhance the effectiveness of tailored health promotion interventions.