Beliefs about savoring in older adulthood: Aging and perceived health affect temporal components of perceived savoring ability

•Changes in savoring abilities over time are examined in a sample of older adults.•Perceived anticipation and reminiscing abilities decline over time.•Perceived savoring ability predicts better perceived health at follow-up.•Aging and health status focus older adults' thoughts on present-moment pleasures.

The ability to savor positive life events is associated with higher emotional well-being; however, few studies have examined savoring ability in older adults. The present study used a longitudinal design to examine changes in perceived savoring abilities and associations with perceived health in older adulthood. Older adults (N = 131) reported on beliefs about savoring and perceived health at baseline and 2 1/2 years later. Perceived anticipation (savoring the future) and reminiscing (savoring the past) abilities declined from baseline to follow-up. Better perceived health at baseline predicted greater perceived reminiscing and anticipation abilities at follow-up. Greater perceived ability to savor the present moment at baseline predicted better perceived health at follow-up. Aging and poorer health focus older adults' thoughts on present-moment pleasures, which may benefit health, but may also lead to reductions in perceived anticipation and reminiscing abilities.