Attitudes of Middle-Aged Women to the Concept of Successful Aging

Objectives: Older adults are disproportionately vulnerable to frauds of many kinds, and fear of aging has been conjectured to be a primary factor in older adults’ vulnerability to fraud; however, no study has examined how and when fear of aging is associated with older adults’ vulnerability to fraud. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a sample of 251 Chinese older adults (M = 68.1, SD = 6.43) completed measures regarding fear of aging, intolerance of uncertainty, self-control, and vulnerability to fraud. Results: The results revealed that intolerance of uncertainty partially mediated the association between fear of aging and vulnerability to fraud. This indirect effect of fear of aging on vulnerability to fraud was only significant for older adults with lower levels of self-control. Conclusions: The association between fear of aging and older adults’ vulnerability to fraud through intolerance of uncertainty varies as a function of self-control. Clinical implications: Clinicians may focus on reducing the fear of aging, decreasing intolerance of uncertainty, and enhancing self-control as promising pathways to develop effective interventions and outreach strategies aimed at protecting older adults from fraud.

The increase in the number of elderly people in the world, individuals' perspectives on older adults, and false beliefs and ideas about old age negatively affect adults in terms of ageing. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between fear of old age, loneliness and death anxiety in adults. This study, which was designed in a correlational cross-sectional descriptive model, was conducted with 1074 adult individuals living in one province in eastern Turkey. Data were collected using Personal Information Form, Fear of Old Age Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale and Turkish Death Anxiety Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0, AMOS 24.0, G*Power 3.1 statistical package programs. In our study, it was determined that the model created in line with the hypotheses was compatible and the model fit indices were within the desired limits as χ2 /df = 4.737, root mean square error of approximation = 0.05, comparative fit index = 0.93, goodness-of-fit index = 0.92, adjusted goodness-of-fit index = 0.90, IFI = 0.93. There is a significant relationship between loneliness and death anxiety (P < 0.05). There is a significant relationship between loneliness and fear of old age (P < 0.05). There is a significant relationship between death anxiety and fear of old age (P < 0.05). It was determined that death anxiety has a mediating role in the effect of loneliness on fear of old age (95% confidence interval: 0.112-0.226; P < 0.05). As the level of loneliness increases, the level of death anxiety and fear of old age increases. Fear of old age also increases in the mediating role of death anxiety. It is recommended to conduct intervention studies to reduce fear of old age. Longitudinal study on fear of old age is recommended.

Increases in life expectancy have contributed to the growing numbers of older adults in our society. There has been a corresponding increase in ageism with many people holding negative attitudes toward older adults and old age. This can result in poor outcomes both for older adults themselves and for those who espouse those attitudes. Older adults may be ostracized, whilst those who hold negative attitudes are more likely to experience poor physical and mental health as they age. This is detrimental not only to individuals but also to society. A survey of adults (n = 3252) aged between 35 and 75 in the UK was conducted to explore the prevalence of the fear of old age, attitudes toward it and factors that influence it. Results showed high levels of fear, influenced by the demographic variables of gender, age, health and parenthood as well as personality traits, religious faith and contact with older people. Previous research, suggesting that being a younger adult, being female, being high in neuroticism and being in poor health predicted high levels of fear, was supported. Other factors that were expected to mitigate the fear of old age – having regular contact with older adults, being a parent and holding religious beliefs – were found to increase it. It was concluded that further research is needed to explore these findings further.

Background: Few studies in Canada have focused on the relationship between immigrant status and successful aging. The concept of successful aging used in this study includes the ability to accomplish both activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), freedom from mental illness, memory problems and disabling chronic pain, adequate social support and older adults’ self-reported happiness and subjective perception of their physical health, mental health and aging process as good. Methods: The present study analyzed the first two waves of data from the comprehensive cohort of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). The sample includes 7651 respondents aged 60+ at time 2, of whom 1446 respondents were immigrants. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: Canadian-born older adults had a slightly higher prevalence and age-sex adjusted odds of achieving successful aging than their immigrant counterparts (aOR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.34, p < 0.001). After adjusting for 18 additional factors, immigrant status remained statistically significant (aOR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.41, p < 0.001). Significant baseline factors associated with successful aging among immigrants included being younger, having higher income, being married, not being obese, never smoking, engaging in moderate or strenuous physical activities, not having sleeping problems and being free of heart disease or arthritis. Conclusions: Immigrant older adults had a lower prevalence of successful aging than their Canadian-born peers. Further research could investigate whether policies and interventions supporting older immigrants and promoting a healthy lifestyle enhance older adults achieve successful aging in later life.

REVIEW QUESTION/OBJECTIVE The objectives of this review are to identify the personal strategies related to active aging among older adults in Europe. INCLUSION CRITERIA Types of participants This review will consider studies that include older adults (age over 55 years) who live in Europe. Studies with older adults who suffer cognitive impairment, who are immobilized and unable to perform daily living activities will be excluded. Types of intervention(s)/phenomena of interest This review will consider studies that investigate (any) personal strategies (a process to make change starting with personal research that includes an understanding of one’s life stages, the forces that drive one’s life and plausible events for the current life stage) related to active aging (healthy and active lifestyle, “successful aging”) CONTEXT Europe (considering “some similarity” of health care systems and retirement policies)

Introduction Successful or healthy aging is a worldwide concept in gerontology. Older people such as academic emeritus can live healthy and can be economic contributors as well. They continue to be creative, grow, learn, have a network of friends and family, and share their experience in teaching, research, and community services. Gerntological health nurses can play a vital role in promoting health and well-being of the elderly by taking a holistic view of the biopsychosocial health predictors that contribute to successful aging. Aim The aim of this study was to assess the predictors of successful aging among Cairo University academic emeritus. Sample A convenience sample of 100 academic emeritus were selected. Setting The study was conducted in four health sciences sector faculties at Cairo University. An exploratory descriptive research design was utilized. Tool A structured successful aging questionnaire was developed that included three parts (personal characteristics, assessment of successful aging predictors such as physical health, mental/cognitive well-being, psychological well-being and social engagement, questions about what contributes to successful aging. Results The results of the study have shown that the majority of academic emeritus were independent, adopted a healthy lifestyle, maintained high resilience, have no depression or cognitive failure and have supportive social networks. Regression analysis showed that the age and total scores of successful aging predictors were significantly associated (P=0.000). Conclusion Physical independence, lifestyle, cognition, resilience, low depression, and social network contribute to successful aging. Recommendations Increase the awareness of the elderly about the predictors of successful aging through health education programs and replication of the study on a nationwide scale project.

Successful aging is a prominent theory that describes the aging process and the expected activities and behaviors older adults should engage in or exhibit to age successfully. Although this theory is used to gauge the extent to which older adults are aging successfully, older adults' experiences and perspectives of what successful aging means to them are missing from the theory. A five-step scoping review framework was used to explore and synthesize the existing research that investigated older adults' perspectives on successful aging. Twelve main themes were found and ranged from the importance of social relationships and interactions to having a good death. Findings indicated older adults do not define successful aging as strictly as is found in the literature. Old age and the aging process from the views of older adults provide future directions for theory development and research.

The modernization and shift towards urbanized lifestyles have triggered several diseases, and the context of aging varies in urban and rural settings in India. The study aimed to investigate the urban–rural differences in successful ageing among older adults in India and the contributing factors in those differences. The study utilizes data from nationally representative Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI, 2017–18). The analytical sample size for the study was 31,464 older adults aged 60 years and above. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis were carried out to present the initial results. Multivariable logistic regression and decomposition analysis was used to find the associations between explanatory variables and successful aging and to identify the contributions of covariates that explain the rural–urban differences in successful ageing. A proportion of 32% and 24% of older adults from rural and urban areas were successful agers with an urban disadvantage. Urban-dwelling older adults had 0.67 times [95% confidence interval (CI): (0.64, 0.71)] lower unadjusted odds of successful ageing than rural older adults. Again, after adjusting for the effect of other explanatory variables, urban older adults had 0.92 times [CI: (0.87, 0.98)] lower odds of being successful agers than their rural counterparts. The major contributors to the rural–urban inequality in successful aging were differences in regional distribution (17% contribution), waist circumference (16%), working status (16%), body mass index (13%) and physical activity (8%) among rural and urban older adults. The urban disadvantage in aging successfully may reflect the higher prevalence of adverse lifestyle behaviours in urban dwellers and under-diagnosis and under-reporting of many diseases in rural areas, particularly non-communicable diseases, suggesting the need for further investigation.

As HIV-infected (HIV+) individuals age, there is a need to understand successful aging (SA) from the patient perspective. This study compared SA definitions between HIV+ and HIV-uninfected (HIV-) older adults and then examined correlates of SA categories. Ninety-three HIV+ and 46 HIV- older (aged 50+) adults provided brief definitions of SA, which was examined using content analysis. We then compared the frequency of SA categories by serostatus and examined the correlates of SA categories within both groups. Seven SA categories emerged: General Health, Cognitive Health & Ability, Physical/Biological Health & Ability, Social Relationships, Attitudes, Psychological, & Emotional Well-Being, Proactive & Engaged Lifestyle, and Independence. While no significant differences emerged, HIV- older adults were more likely to report General Health and the subcategory of Longevity/Survival, while HIV+ older adults were more likely to report subcategories of Enjoying Life & Fulfillment and Maintaining Balance. Few demographic correlates of SA categories emerged. Mood and HIV characteristics were not associated with SA categories. In both groups, those without neurocognitive impairment were significantly more likely to endorse General Health than those with neurocognitive impairment. HIV+ and HIV- older individuals may generally perceive SA similarly, and their definitions parallel with existing models of SA. Yet, living with a chronic illness may cause HIV+ older adults to place greater value on quality of life and life satisfaction than physical health and chronological age. Observational and intervention studies may use similar approaches in evaluating and maximizing SA.

In the recent years, there has been an increasing interest in how the aging process in integrated in current societies. The existing body of research on aging suggests that society must promote support for successful aging, which implies living more and living better. In this way, extensive research shows that older adults need to be engaged in social participation (Raymond and Grenier, 2015), and therefore, in recent years, older adult education has become a decisive part of the different policies applied to achieve successful aging. The purpose of this paper is to review the different ways in which society acts when facing aging, with special attention devoted to the Spanish situation. This study examines demographic revolution and the different implications that it poses for quality of live and successful aging. A revision of the main aging theories and recommendations to achieve successful aging are provided. Socio-educational actions linked to successful aging promotion are presented, highlighting some university programmes specifically designed for older adults. This lifelong learning scheme has the potential to revolutionize current educational practice to socially integrate older adults in postmodern societies.

Resilience, No Depression Best Predict Successful Aging

With the rapid aging of the population as well as increasing diversity in United State, research on ageism and intergenerational relationships is increasingly warranted. Ageism, or the prejudicial attitudes towards older adults, is seen as one of the most prevalent preconceived judgments that can cause poor treatment, and may even decrease levels of confidence, happiness, and health for older adults (Bishop, 2016). Intergenerational programs can provide many benefits for both younger and older adults, including developing positive changes in attitude towards aging (Wescott & Healy, 2011). Currently, the University of Rhode Island (URI) Engaging Generations: Cyber-Seniors program was developed to bring students and older adults together in order to help older adults learn more about using technology, and support students to promote more positive attitudes towards older adults. Most of the research on the topic of ageism has been focused on the impact of the fear of death, anxiety of older adults toward their own aging, and the fear of aging. Therefore, the role of personality traits for younger adults on ageism and changes in ageism is less well studied (e.g. Bodner et al., 2015; Galton, 2019). Intergenerational programs can provide many benefits for both younger and older adults, including developing positive changes in attitudes (Wescott & Healy, 2011). Since, younger adults tend to demonstrate the higher levels of ageism towards older adults (Donizzetti, 2019), the aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of intergenerational programming participation for students related to attitudes toward older adults, apprehension toward older adults, and empathy toward older adults. Additionally, the current study builds on existing knowledge by examining the associations between personality traits, ageism, and changes in ageism since the role of personality traits towards ageism or change in ageism is, to the author’s knowledge, understudied in the ageism literature. Data for this study was taken from pre/post student surveys. SPSS software was used to conduct descriptive analysis, paired-sample t tests, correlation, and regression. Results showed significant decreases in ageism following participation in the program. The results also indicated that the traits of Conscientiousness, Agreeableness and Extraversion were found to have significant associations with less ageism towards older adults.

BackgroundThe importance of SA (Successful aging) has been emphasized in recent years, with focus shifting towards attaining healthier aging rather than longevity. However, the influence of SA and its changes on mental health such as depression remains a relatively unexplored area in gerontology. Therefore, we investigated the longitudinal association between changes in SA and depressive symptoms in Korean older adults.MethodsThis study comprised a longitudinal sample of older adults aged ≥ 45 years, drawn from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006–2018). Changes in SA status was determined using the Rowe and Kahn model over two consecutive years. Using an adjusted generalized estimating equation model, we examined the association between changes in successful aging status, namely SA and NSA (Non-successful aging), and depressive symptoms.ResultsCompared to the SA→SA group, depressive symptom risk in the NSA→NSA and SA→NSA groups were higher in men [(OR, 1.16; 95 % CI, 1.13–1.18), (OR, 1.11; 95 % CI, 1.08–1.13), respectively] and in women [(OR, 1.15; 95 % CI, 1.13–1.18), (OR, 1.11; 95 % CI, 1.09–1.14), respectively]. Subgroup analysis of the dimensions of successful aging revealed that low or worsening criteria of successful aging status in men and women were associated with depressive symptoms.ConclusionsKorean older adults who continuously failed to attain or maintain successful aging status had the highest risk of depressive symptoms. These results could further assist in establishing policies and interventions that promote successful aging and subsequently protect the mental health of the Korean older adult population.

Older Adults' Perspectives on Successful Aging: Qualitative Interviews

Understanding what successful aging means to future older adults (currently aged 30s-50s) is crucial for providing relevant support that enables them to age successfully. Their expectations and needs may vary from those of current older adults (60+), shaped by different socio-economic and cultural contexts. While most research in successful aging focuses on current older adults, limited work has been done among the younger generations. Our study aimed to fill this gap by summarizing novel insights on successful aging from multiple generations of adults. Our study engaged 35 participants, and they were from diverse age groups (30s to 60s and over), genders, income levels, and ethnicities (Chinese, Malay, Indian). Each participant completed one focus group discussion which lasted up to 90-minutes. We used semi-structured questions, scenarios, and descriptions of community-based programs around Asia. We conducted inductive thematic analysis of the data. Successful aging involves embracing circumstances: 1. Everchanging life journey, 2. Unconventional family structure, and 3. Emerging technology. First, everchanging life journey is impacted by various factors such as health, finances, and social roles. Second, unconventional family structure is shaped by younger generations’ different perspectives towards marriage, children, and living arrangements. Third, emerging technology such as artificial intelligence, applications, and robots is being used to advance financial planning, health management, and social connectedness. Younger generations in our study perceived successful aging as embracing three circumstances, i.e., everchanging life journey, unconventional family structure, and emerging technology. A series of future studies is warranted to inform services providers about these three circumstances and to facilitate them to use these insights to develop new programs. This is to optimize the future of successful aging among our younger generations.Key messages• Understanding younger generations’ needs is key to tailoring support for successful aging.• Future research could consider their evolving perspectives and needs to recommend appropriate public health support in their aging process.