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Abstract
Many factors have been identified as important contributors to aging well. However, few studies examined how mental efficacy and social support contribute to aging well of veteran athletes versus older adults. This study examined the impact of mental efficacy and social support on aging well of Greek veteran track and field athletes versus non-athletes. Older adults (N=259) and veteran athletes (N=161) aged 55 to 75+ were surveyed. Mental efficacy included measures of resilience, self-esteem, spheres of control and mental status. Social support included availability of help, satisfaction with relationships, social contacts, voluntary participation and network type. Hierarchical regression analysis examined the contribution of demographics, mental efficacy and social support to aging well. Significant differences in mental efficacy, social support and aging well were found, which were further influenced by cohort and sex. Results showed that for mental efficacy, mental status was the most important predictor in explaining life satisfaction and life appraisal, while for social support, social contacts was the most important contributor. Comparing both sets of parameters, mental efficacy showed greater predictive value for aging well than did social support resources. Recommendations include the need for research on additional factors from different socio-cultural and sport areas that may influence aging well.