Motivational Inductors of Behavior as Reserves of Successful Aging

Abstract

Age-related characteristics of motivational inductors of behavior and internal control, which contribute to “successful” aging, are studied. University students and elderly women (20 ± 1.1 and 65.1 ± 5.8 years, respectively) are involved in the study. The dominance of cognitive activity in the profile of motivational inductors regardless of the age and time period of self-appraisal is established. Age differences are found for the “future” situation: increased importance of physical activity for the elderly and significantly greater importance of the “emotional state” components both in the present and in the future for young female students. However, the recognition of the priority of cognitive activity does not correspond to the practical implementation of the cognitive training program, presumably due to the age-related weakening of executive control in initiating new activities.