Is there a time for wellbeing? The role of time perspective and ageism in subjective wellbeing along the lifespan in Portugal Sofia von Humboldt, Isabel Miguel, Isabel Leal Ageing and Society, 2026 Time perspective can shape how individuals experience life, influencing their wellbeing, perspectives and interactions with societal attitudes. This study explores the interconnections between time perspective, perceived ageism and subjective wellbeing (SWB) across the lifespan. Specifically, it aims to (1) compare time perspective, perceived ageism and SWB among three age cohorts across the lifespan; (2) analyse the influence of time perspective on SWB; and (3) examine whether perceived ageism moderates the relationship between time perspective and SWB. Data were collected from 884 Portuguese participants (aged 18–39, 40–59 and 60+) using various methods and subjected to multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs) and moderated regression analyses. Findings suggest distinct differences in time perspective, perceived ageism and SWB between the age cohorts. Future FTP-opportunity decreases with age, while FTP-limitation is higher among older adults. Negative and positive ageism are more prevalent among older adults, with positive ageism increasing with age, and satisfaction with life seems to be higher in middle age. Further, FTP-limitation increases negative affect and reduces positive affect and life satisfaction, while FTP-opportunity boosts both of them. Positive and negative ageism moderate these effects, with positive ageism weakening FTP-opportunity’s benefits and negative ageism intensifying its impact on affect and satisfaction with life. Understanding how perceptions of age and future opportunities shape SWB across life stages is crucial. The findings highlight the impact of ageism on both younger and older adults, emphasizing the need for an inclusive approach to age that promotes wellbeing and opportunities for individuals across the lifecycle.
Navigating the Storm: How Does Meditation Influence Mental Health Among Older Adults With Chronic Conditions? Sofia von Humboldt, Isabel Leal Journal of Population Ageing, 2026 Meditation can act as a protection for mental well-being in late years, by helping older adults to challenge the pervasive effects of chronic illness. The primary objectives of this qualitative research study are to: (a) to examine older adults’ experiences of meditation while living with chronic disease, and (b) to analyze how meditation is perceived to influence their mental health. The sample included 567 participants from three different nationalities (Portuguese, English, and Brazilian), ranging from 65 to 91 years old (M = 73.4; SD = 4.55). In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted, and content analysis was employed to identify key themes that emerged from participants’ experiences. For the first objective, six themes emerged: Integrating the challenges of illness and physical decline (90.1%), Exploring the purpose of living (87.5%), Focusing on self-concept (73.0%), Feeling less pain and dependence (71.1%); Feeling more hopeful (66.1%); and Focusing on effective disease treatment (60.3%). For the second objective, three themes were identified: Less emotional burden (82.0%), Less depressive symptoms (79.2%), and Less emotional outbursts (50.1%). Portuguese participants expressed a strong focus on managing the challenges of illness, while Brazilian participants highlighted a greater emphasis on finding meaning in life and enhancing hopefulness. In contrast, English participants identified a more pronounced link between meditation and improvements in self-identity. The study highlights the critical role of meditation, in managing both the physical and mental health of older adults with chronic diseases and underscores the value of meditation as a comprehensive support in old age.
Burning Away the Odds. Climate Change, Changes in Behavior and Mental Health: A Qualitative Study With Older Adults Sofia von Humboldt, Namrah Ilyas, Isabel Leal Journal of Population Ageing, 2026 Climate change is increasingly influencing older adults’ mental health and well-being, exposing critical vulnerabilities and challenges. The two main objectives of this study were (1) to explore older adults’ experiences of climate change and 2) to analyze how climate change affected older adults’ mental health and self-reported changes in behavior. A qualitative study involving 876 older adults from three nationalities (Brazilian, English, and Portuguese) was conducted, utilizing semi-structured interviews to gather data. Content analysis revealed five main themes for the first objective: (1) Immediate health events (88.2%), (2) More dependence on health care providers (79.4%), (3) Increased family burden (76.1%), (4) Difficulty in accessing relief and service points (63.7%), and (5) Increased risk of falls (59.8%). Regarding mental health, three themes emerged: (1) Anxiety and distress (86.1%), (2) Emotional trauma (77.9%), and (3) Emotional outbursts (52.5%). Finally, the following changes of behavior were indicated: (1) Disruption in sleep behavior (57.9%), (2) Increased aggressive behavior (45.1%), and (3) Deficient diet (42.7%). These findings emphasize the importance of integrating improved healthcare access with supportive measures to mitigate the mental health and behavioral challenges faced by older adults during and after climate change events.
From Words to Wounds: Cyberbullying and Its Influence on Mental Health Across the Lifespan Sofia von Humboldt, Gail Low, Isabel Leal Behavioral Sciences, 2025 Cyberbullying can be prevalent across different life stages, with lasting traces on mental health across the lifespan. This study aims to (a) explore how cyberbullying is emotionally experienced across three distinct age groups and (b) analyze the influence of cyberbullying on mental health across the lifespan. This study included 883 participants divided into three age groups: 18–39, 40–59, and 60+. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather participants’ experiences and perspectives. The data were then subjected to content analysis, which revealed a number of themes. The first objective revealed the following themes: For ages 18–39: (a) feeling ashamed or humiliated (92.4%), (b) withdrawing from friends and family, and (c) experiencing harassment as positive and difficulties with rules. For ages 40–59: (a) losing interest in hobbies (89.5%), (b) questioning about things they did or did not do, and (c) experiencing a sense of missing out. For ages 60+: (a) negative thoughts and self-talk (91.3%), (b) feeling judged negatively, and (c) feeling financially vulnerable. The second objective showed: For 18–39: (a) depressive symptoms (79.7%), (b) easy anger, and (c) suicidal behavior. For 40–59: (a) anxiety (93.2%), (b) low self-esteem, and (c) the use of substances. For 60+: (a) frustration (78.1%), (b) isolation, and (c) disturbances in sleep and eating patterns. This study highlights the significant psychological and emotional impact of cyberbullying across age groups, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions that address the unique challenges faced by individuals at different life stages. The findings underscore the importance of developing age-specific strategies to mitigate the effects of cyberbullying and to have perpetrators take responsibility for their reckless disregard for others, and ultimately, themselves.
Does time matter? The role of time perspective and ageism in mental health along the lifespan Isabel Miguel, Sofia von Humboldt, Isabel Leal Current Psychology, 2025 Time perspective is a consistent personal viewpoint which evolves with age and may influence mental health across the lifespan. This study aims to: (1) compare time perspective, perceived ageism and mental health indicators, in three age cohorts across the lifespan; (2) examine the influence of time perspective on mental health indicators (depression, anxiety, and stress); and (3) assess whether ageism serves as a moderating factor between time perspective and mental health indicators. 1311 participants from three distinct age groups (18–39, 40–59, and 60+) participated in this cross-sectional study. The following instruments were used: (a) Future Time Perspective Scale (FTPS); (b) Perceived Ageism Questionnaire (PAQ); (c) Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-21); and (d) a sociodemographic, health and lifestyle questionnaire. MANOVAs and moderated regression analyses were performed on the data. Results indicated the highest levels of stress, anxiety and perceived ageism among younger and older participants. A decrease in FTP-Opportunity and an increase of FTP-Limitation, and the perception of increased positive ageism were found throughout the life cycle. FTP-Opportunity was found to negatively impact stress, anxiety, and depression, whereas FTP-Limitation showed a positive effect. Positive ageism also moderated the effects of FTP-Opportunity on anxiety and depression. This study unveils the intricate relationship between time perspective, mental health, and ageism, indicating that time perspective significantly influences mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Addressing ageism emerges as a crucial component in enhancing mental health in individuals of all ages.
Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing? Violent, Abusive, and Harmful Behavior by the Older Person Toward Their Family Caregivers: A Qualitative Study Sofia von Humboldt, Namrah Ilyas, Isabel Leal Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 2025 Violent, abusive, and harmful behavior enacted by older adults upon their caregivers represents a distressing and frequently disregarded facet within the domain of caregiving. This qualitative study aims to (a) explore family caregivers’ experiences of violent, abusive, and harmful behavior by the older person and (b) explore how violent, abusive, and harmful behavior by the older person affects family caregivers’ mental health. This qualitative study encompassed 393 participants, with a diverse age range spanning from 40 to 72 years. All the interviews went through the process of content analysis. For the first objective, findings indicated six emerging themes: Frequent and extreme verbal violence (77.3%); feeling manipulated and controlled by older adults (74.7%); experiencing unpredictable illegal circumstances provoked by older adults (62.1%); experiencing damaging financial issues provoked by older adults (43.1%); experiencing physical violence (34.2.%); and experiencing sexual violence (31.1%). The second objective highlighted four themes: depression and anxiety (89.9 %), anger (81.2%), feeling morally isolated (78.3%), and emotional outbursts (65.1%). Brazilian participants mainly experienced frequent and extreme verbal violence (62.4%). Moreover, depression and anxiety were mainly verbalized by English participants (84.3%). These findings underscore the significant toll that older individuals’ violent, abusive, and harmful behavior can have on the mental well-being of family caregivers. This study sheds light on the complex experiences faced by family caregivers and emphasizes the urgent need for targeted interventions to foster healthier caregiving environments. Older individuals’ violent, abusive, and harmful behavior toward their caregivers has received limited attention in research and public discourse. The findings of this study call attention to the pressing need of addressing this issue, given its detrimental impact on the mental health of family carers. Recognizing the significance of this topic demands a comprehensive and targeted approach to ensure the well-being and safety of caregivers and older adults.
Anxiety symptoms and coping strategies used by older adults during COVID-19: A national e-study of linkages among and between them Gail Low, Alex B. França, Zhiwei Gao, Gloria Gutman, Sofia von Humboldt, Hunaina Allana, Donna M. Wilson, Anila Naz Plos Mental Health, 2025 A global pandemic is a hardly typical and anxiety-dampening event. Research in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic tells of associations between advancing age and anxiety dampening. The aim of this study was to further investigate this by examining and creating a blueprint of older Canadians’ symptoms of pandemic-related anxiety and coping strategies, and linkages among and between them. A national e-survey was conducted in the second year of the pandemic with 1,327 older Canadians, when national public health measures lifted. Anxiety symptoms were measured using the Geriatric Anxiety Scale - 10. Participants also completed the Coping with Stress and Anxiety personal assessment tool. Network Analyses revealed a troubling trio of anxiety symptoms of central importance to our respondents: feelings of restlessness, muscle tension and having no control over their lives. Restless and no control over my life explained between 64–68% of the variance in 8 other anxiety symptoms. Coping seemed to occur through trial and error. Some strategies appeared to work in tandem and others in opposition to each other. Remembered resilience and staying active functioned as bridges shielding older people from worry, restlessness, and tension through spurning other remedial actions. This study provides evidence of a stable and predictable network of anxiety symptoms containing three particularly pernicious symptoms and the complex and arduous nature of mentally healthy recovery work. A visual representation of how anxiety symptoms can operate as a network might help older people better understand their own symptom experiences. Combining the two networks offers a blueprint of what within-person recovery might look like and a visual teaching tool for practitioners and program developers; older people could gain added insight into their own recovery experience.
Sexual Well-Being Across the Lifespan: Is Sexual Satisfaction Related to Adjustment to Aging? Isabel Miguel, Sofia von Humboldt, Isabel Leal Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 2025 Introduction Sexual satisfaction is relevant to aging well, throughout the lifespan. This study aims to compare the perspectives of sexual satisfaction and adjustment to aging (AtA) in three age cohorts across the lifespan and to analyze whether sexual satisfaction influences the perceptions of AtA. Methods This cross-sectional study comprised 619 participants from three different age cohorts (18–44, 45–64, and 65 + years). Three measures were used to meet the defined objectives: (a) Adjustment to Aging Scale (ATAS), (b) New Sexual Satisfaction Scale (NSSS-S), and (c) sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle questionnaire. Data were subject to MANOVAs and hierarchical regression analyses. Results Social support emerged as the most relevant dimension in the multifactorial nature of AtA. Generational differences were found in sense of purpose and ambitions [F(2, 616) = 14.203, p < .001], zest and spirituality [F(2, 616) = 3.175, p = .042], body and health [F(2, 616) = 8.732, p < .001], and social support [F(2, 616) = 10.646, p < .001], with participants aged 65 and older showing significantly lower levels in all dimensions. Younger participants showed the highest score for body and health. Age-related decreases in sexual satisfaction were also found, as younger participants showed statistically higher levels of sexual satisfaction, followed by middle-aged and older participants. Sexual satisfaction predicts all the dimensions of AtA, exception made for aging in place and stability. Ego-centered sexual satisfaction positively predicted sense of purpose and ambitions (β = .225, p = .015) and social support (β = .297, p < .001), while partner/sexual activity–centered sexual satisfaction was a positive predictor of zest and spirituality (β = .243, p = .010) and body and health (β = .243, p = .008). Conclusions Sexual satisfaction decreases with age and is positively related to dimensions of AtA. Sexual satisfaction is a relevant variable for effective approaches to promoting healthy aging and overall well-being among (older) adults. Policy Implications Gerontological program policies and interventions with older people would strongly benefit of including sexual satisfaction as a relevant variable for aging well along the lifespan.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Neyda Ma. Mendoza-Ruvalcaba, Sofia von Humboldt, Elva Dolores Arias-Merino, Isabel Leal Encyclopedia of Gerontology and Population Aging, 2021
Aging in Place Gail Low, Sofia von Humboldt, Mary Kalfoss, Donna M. Wilson, Isabel Leal Encyclopedia of Gerontology and Population Aging, 2021
¿Qué influye en el bienestar subjetivo de los adultos mayores?: Una revision sistematica de la literatura Revista Argentina De Clinica Psicologica, 2014
Subject's age and adaptation to aging in elderly erspectiva Portugal and Romania: A comparative analysis of latent constructs multiple corelalie Calitatea Vietii, 2013
The promotion of older adults' sense of coherence through person-centered therapy: A randomized controlled pilot study Interdisciplinaria, 2013
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Internet dependence as a predictor of mental health among medical students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal cohort study in Brazil (2019–2021) MCC Vitorino, MCC da Silva, RC e Santos Soares, MM de Melo, ... The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, 1-15 , 2026 2026
Burning Away the Odds. Climate Change, Changes in Behavior and Mental Health: A Qualitative Study With Older Adults S von Humboldt, N Ilyas, I Leal Journal of Population Ageing, 1-27 , 2026 2026
Navigating the Storm: How Does Meditation Influence Mental Health Among Older Adults With Chronic Conditions? S von Humboldt, I Leal Journal of Population Ageing, 1-18 , 2026 2026
Is there a time for wellbeing? The role of time perspective and ageism in subjective wellbeing along the lifespan in Portugal S Von Humboldt, I Miguel, I Leal Ageing & Society 46, e39 , 2026 2026
Living on the edge: how older adult suicidal behavior strains their adult children’mental health S von Humboldt, G Low, I Leal Current Psychology 45 (2), 139 , 2026 2026
Beyond the destination: A qualitative study on how experiencing leisure traveling shapes mental health among older adults S von Humboldt, N Ilyas, I Leal Educational Gerontology, 1-21 , 2025 2025
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Average or extraordinary? A tale of two studied samples’ anxiety related recovery work after COVID-19 G Low, AB Franca, A Naz, G Gutman, Z Gao, S Von Humboldt Frontiers in Public Health 13, 1626124 , 2025 2025
Neglect Among Portuguese Older Adults: A Qualitative Study on Perceptions of Causes and Preventive Measures JC Jesus, JA Ribeiro-Gonçalves, S von Humboldt, L Soares, I Leal Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 1-22 , 2025 2025
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Anxiety symptoms and coping strategies used by older adults during COVID-19: A national e-study of linkages among and between them G Low, AB França, Z Gao, G Gutman, S von Humboldt, H Allana, ... PLOS Mental Health 2 (4), e0000304 , 2025 2025
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When care turns to harm: Unveiling abusive behaviors of older towards their caregivers S Von Humboldt, N Ilyas, I Leal European Psychiatry 68 (S1), S871-S871 , 2025 2025
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MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Smart technology and the meaning in life of older adults during the Covid-19 public health emergency period: a cross-cultural qualitative study S von Humboldt, NM Mendoza-Ruvalcaba, ED Arias-Merino, A Costa, ... International Review of Psychiatry 32 (7-8), 713-722 , 2020 2020 Citations: 126
Validation of the PANAS: A measure of positive and negative affect for use with cross-national older adults S von Humboldt, A Monteiro, I Leal Rev. Eur. Stud. 9, 10 , 2017 2017 Citations: 81
Sense of coherence, sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health-related factors in older adults' subjective well-being S von Humboldt, I Leal, F Pimenta International journal of gerontology 9 (1), 15-19 , 2015 2015 Citations: 80
Sexual expression in old age: How older adults from different cultures express sexually? S von Humboldt, JA Ribeiro-Gonçalves, A Costa, G Low, I Leal Sexuality Research and Social Policy 18, 246-260 , 2021 2021 Citations: 73
Adjustment to aging in late adulthood: A systematic review S von Humboldt, I Leal International Journal of Gerontology 8 (3), 108-113 , 2014 2014 Citations: 68
Assessing adjustment to aging: A validation study for the Adjustment to Aging Scale (AtAS) S von Humboldt, I Leal, F Pimenta, J Maroco Social Indicators Research 119 (1), 455-472 , 2014 2014 Citations: 61
How do older adults experience intergenerational relationships? Different cultures, ambivalent feelings S Von Humboldt, A Monteiro, I Leal Educational Gerontology 44 (8), 501-513 , 2018 2018 Citations: 60
What predicts older adults’ adjustment to aging in later life? The impact of sense of coherence, subjective well-being, and sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health-related factors S von Humboldt, I Leal, F Pimenta Educational Gerontology 40 (9), 641-654 , 2014 2014 Citations: 60
Health service accessibility, mental health, and changes in behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study of older adults S von Humboldt, G Low, I Leal International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19 (7), 4277 , 2022 2022 Citations: 56
Examining occupational stress, sources of stress and stress management strategies through the eyes of management consultants: A multiple correspondence analysis for latent … S Von Humboldt, I Leal, T Laneiro, P Tavares Stress and Health 29 (5), 410-420 , 2013 2013 Citations: 53
Living well in later life: The influence of sense of coherence, and socio-demographic, lifestyle and health-related factors on older adults’ satisfaction with life S von Humboldt, I Leal, F Pimenta Applied Research in Quality of Life 9 (3), 631-642 , 2014 2014 Citations: 47
Is age an issue? Psychosocial differences in perceived older workers’ work (un) adaptability, effectiveness, and workplace age discrimination S von Humboldt, I Miguel, JP Valentim, A Costa, G Low, I Leal Educational Gerontology 49 (8), 687-699 , 2023 2023 Citations: 46
The old and the oldest-old: Do they have different perspectives on adjustment to aging? S von Humboldt, I Leal International Journal of Gerontology 9 (3), 156-160 , 2015 2015 Citations: 46
Does spirituality really matter?: A study on the potential of spirituality for older adult's adjustment to aging S von Humboldt, I Leal, F Pimenta Japanese Psychological Research 56 (2), 114-125 , 2014 2014 Citations: 45
Bullying in old age: A qualitative study on older adults’ perceptions about being bullied S von Humboldt, JA Ribeiro-Gonçalves, I Leal Journal of interpersonal violence 37 (5-6), 2896-2919 , 2022 2022 Citations: 43
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The orientation to life questionnaire: Validation of a measure to assess older adults’ sense of coherence S von Humboldt, I Leal Educational Gerontology 41 (6), 451-465 , 2015 2015 Citations: 36
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Publications
Torres, M., von Humboldt, S., & Leal, I. (2020). Estudo misto da influência das mudanças sexuais na satisfação sexual dos idosos [Mixed study about the influence of sexual changes in older adults’ sexual satisfaction]. Psicologia, Saúde & Doenças, 21(1), 90-96.
