Does race/ethnicity affect aging anxiety in American baby boomers?

The purpose of this study was to examine whether racial/ethnic differences in aging anxiety among American baby boomers stem from socioeconomic resources, knowledge about aging, and/or exposure to older adults. Data were from the Images of Aging Survey conducted in 2004. The analysis included 362 non-Hispanic Whites, 117 African Americans, and 96 Hispanics. Multiple regression models were used. Aging anxiety did not differ between African Americans and non-Hispanic Whites. Hispanics tended to have more aging anxiety than non-Hispanic Whites, but this difference was explained by relatively low socioeconomic status and lack of knowledge of aging among Hispanics. Baby boomers who were older, less healthy, less educated, and poorer had more aging anxiety than their counterparts, as did those with less knowledge about aging and less contact with older adults. To reduce aging anxiety, public interventions are needed that promote accurate perceptions about aging and increase opportunities for interacting with older adults.