Successful Aging: Theoretical Concepts, Determinants, and Interventions

Abstract

Over the past few decades, the concept of successful aging has become an increasingly relevant topic in various scientific disciplines, including medicine, biology, psychology, sociology, gerontology, and andragogy. On of the main reasons for this is the continuous extension of the average lifespan, resulting in a higher proportion of older individuals in the general population. Consequently, there is a growing need for understand the challenges faced by this age group and to identify factors contributing to successful aging and the preservation of quality of life in old age. While there is still no unanimously adopted definition of successful aging, what is certain is that successful aging is much more than the absence if disease. It represents a holistic concept encopmpassing the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of older individuals, resulting from the complex interplay of personal and environmental factors. Therefore, the study of successful aging requires a multdisciplinary approach to gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of this phenomenon, and to develop strategies that support older individuals in living fulfilling and healthy lives. The aim of this paper is to provide theoretically grounded and empirically supported information about successful aging, its determinants, and interventions aimed at improving the quality of life in old age. Furthermore, this work aims to raise awareness of the importance of this topic and stimulate further interest in it, both among proffesionals and the general public.