The relationship between epistemic curiosity and successful aging in older adults: the role of self-perceptions of aging and perceived social support

The burgeoning global population of older adults underscores the imperative to promote successful aging. This effort is essential for enhancing individual health and overall well-being across the globe. Grounded in life-span developmental theory and social support theory, this research explores the mechanisms underlying the association between epistemic curiosity and successful aging. Utilizing the Successful Aging Inventory, the Epistemic Curiosity Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and the Brief Aging Perceptions Questionnaire, this study conducted a questionnaire survey on 338 older adults. Results indicate that: (1) Epistemic curiosity is significantly positively correlated with successful aging in older adults, even after accounting for variables such as gender, age, and educational attainment. (2) Self-perceptions of aging and perceived social support act as parallel mediators in the relationship between epistemic curiosity and successful aging, with self-perceptions of aging playing a negative mediating role and perceived social support playing a positive one. The findings underscore the intrinsic human propensity for knowledge acquisition as a pivotal element in interventions for successful aging. In later practice, successful aging can be effectively facilitated by creating an environment that nurtures and supports this intellectual curiosity. This mechanism of action suggests that both perceived social support and the self-perceptions aging of older people are important factors in promoting successful aging, as they help to explain how epistemic curiosity promotes successful aging. This study provides a scientific basis for future related policy formulation and intervention design and helps to promote further improvement in the quality of life and social well-being of older adults.