network size and relationship quality) were tested using data of the German Ageing Survey (65+). No significant associations were found for network size. Bidirectional associations of equal strength were found for relationship quality with VoA social losses. A self-fulfilling prophecy seems to operate in a domain specific manner. Additional analyses will examine adult age differences (40+) in these relationships. Recent research suggests positive schemas of aging predict better social outcomes

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... n aging community samples. This study extends the link between age stereotypes and social engagement to residential care communities. We will (1) discuss the interrelationships between residents' (N = 51) positive and negative age stereotypes about themselves and stereotypes about other building residents, and (2) describe the links between age stereotypes and residents' social distancing, motivation to make new friends, network size, and perceived social support. Some associations were dependent on cognitive status, such as the link between more positive age self-stereotypes and greater motivation to make friends. This suggests that although views of aging are linked to social outcomes in institutional settings, such associations may not extend to older adults with mild cognitive impairment. These findings provide insight about the relative strength of links between social engagement and positive versus negative age stereotypes about the self and others.