When, where and how do views on aging influence health behavior across the lifespan: A systematic review.

Background: Positive views on aging (VoA) significantly improve physical and cognitive health, whereas negative stereotypes promote ageism and health-detrimental behavior. While the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood, the impact of VoA on health behavior offers a plausible partial explanation. However, no review has yet systematically categorized how VoA influence specific health and risk behaviors. Objectives: This review aims to systematically map the literature on how VoA influence various health and risk behaviors across the lifespan—including physical activity, nutrition, smoking, alcohol/drug consumption, prevention, help-seeking, sleep, dental hygiene and overall hygiene, risk and sexual behavior, sun screen use and media consumption—and to identify current research gaps. Methods: Eligible sources include empirical quantitative and qualitative primary studies published in English or German without date restrictions (reviews and program evaluations or validations excluded). Data extraction is conducted using a standardized Excel tool, with primary extraction by one reviewer and independent verification by a second reviewer. Conclusion: By clarifying study designs and synthesizing evidence across multiple health behaviors, this review aims to highlight the effects of views of aging on our health behavior across the lifespan and to identify key research gaps.