Concept Of Successful Aging Research Articles

What frailty can tell us about ageing well: towards an alternative paradigm to 'successful ageing'.

This paper considers the concept of successful ageing by means of a dialogue with the concept of frailty. This dialogue reveals the limits and blindspots of both concepts as well as their apparent dichotomy and the importance of understanding both the objective and subjective experience of ageing. In particular, the dialogue highlights that both frailty and successful ageing are social constructs that derive their meaning from what society values (autonomy, youthful capacities). They cannot by themselves account for the fact that flourishing and frailty are often found together whilst conversely successful ageing may not bring satisfaction. I argue that the arts and humanities supply us with conceptual and methodological tools with which to revisit what it is to age well offering a holistic approach that combines sensitivity both to older people's lived experience and to the underpinning material conditions and embodied realities. For this purpose, and building on previous scholarship in cultural gerontology, I suggest the unique value of concepts and frameworks associated by Simone de Beauvoir. When brought into alignment with the tenets of cultural and narrative gerontology, these concepts facilitate a rich understanding of the nuances and paradoxes of flourishing in deep old age which can also aid in restorying both old age and the life course more generally. I illustrate this through two examples: a feminist self-help guide to ageing, which accepts both limitations and growth and a film that imagines the possibilities of authentic ageing even despite a context of poverty, patriarchy and Alzheimer's Disease.

Successful Aging: Theoretical Concepts, Determinants, and Interventions

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.

Using an adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system for prediction of successful aging: a comparison with common machine learning algorithms

IntroductionThe global society is currently facing a rise in the elderly population. The concept of successful aging (SA) appeared in the gerontological literature to overcome the challenges and problems of population aging. SA is a subjective and multidimensional concept with many ambiguities regarding its meaning or measuring. This study aimed to propose an intelligent predictive model to predict SA.MethodsIn this retrospective study, the data of 784 elderly people were used to develop and validate machine learning (ML) methods. Data pre-processing was first performed. First, an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was proposed to predict SA. Then, the predictive performance of the proposed model was compared with three ML algorithms, including multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network, support vector machine (SVM), and random forest (RF) based on accuracy, sensitivity, precision, and F-score metrics.ResultsThe findings indicated that the ANFIS model with gauss2mf built-in membership function (MF) outperformed the other models with accuracy, sensitivity, precision, and F-score of 91.57%, 95.18%, 92.31%, and 92.94%, respectively.ConclusionsThe predictive performance of ANFIS is more efficient than the other ML models in SA prediction. The development of a decision support system (DSS) using our prediction model can provide healthcare administrators and policymakers with a reliable and responsive tool to improve elderly outcomes.

Being actively engaged in life in old age: determinants, temporal trends, and prognostic value

PurposeRecently, the concept of successful ageing has shifted from healthy ageing to active ageing, the latter emphasising even more the subjective perspective. Active agency is a marker for better functioning. However, the concept of active ageing lacks a clear definition so far. The specific aims of the study were to identify the determinants of being actively engaged in life (BAEL), to explore the changes in BAEL over 3 decades, and to explore the prognostic value of BAEL.MethodsThis is a repeated cross-sectional cohort study of older (≥ 75 years) community-dwelling people in Helsinki in 1989 (N = 552), 1999 (N = 2396), 2009 (N = 1492), and 2019 (N = 1614). The data were gathered by a postal questionnaire at each time point. Being actively engaged in life was defined by two questions “Do you feel needed?” and “Do you have plans for the future?”, which was further converted into BAEL score.ResultsAn increasing temporal trend in BAEL score was observed through the study years. Male sex, good physical functioning and subjective health, and meaningful social contacts were determinants for higher BAEL score. Active agency measured by BAEL score predicted lower 15-year mortality.ConclusionsOlder home-dwelling, urban Finnish people have become more actively engaged in recent years. The underlying causes are diverse but improved socioeconomic status observed over the study years was one of them. Social contacts and not feeling lonely were found to be determinants for being actively engaged. Two simple questions describing active engagement in life may help to predict mortality among older people.

Perspectives of Rural Older Women on the Determinants of Successful Ageing in Southeast Nigeria

As the global population of older persons continues to increase, the need for improved quality of life and increased life satisfaction has made successful ageing a critical discourse. The concept of successful ageing is subject to socio-cultural interpretations; thus, our study delved into the perspectives of rural older women on the determinants of successful ageing. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 rural older women aged 65years and above in Awgu Local Government Area, Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria. Data collected were analysed thematically, and findings revealed that positive social and spiritual relationships were the most critical determinants of successful ageing. Access to and utilisation of digital technology to maintain social ties were also recognised as crucial to the successful ageing of rural older women. Thus, interventions towards successful ageing should focus on improving healthy spirituality, positive social relations and improved connection with social ties through increased access to digital technology.

The Portrayal of Successful Ageing in British Prime-Time TV Advertisements: A Concern for the Healthcare Sector?

Stereotypes conveyed by the media influence both the self-perception and behaviour of people, and may have implications for treatment and healthcare outcomes of older patients. To identify prevailing stereotypes about old age and to investigate the presentation of successful ageing, 6228 commercials aired during UK prime-time TV in September 2020 were analysed using a media content analysis. The findings indicate that the mediated ideas of growing and being old largely align with the concept of successful ageing. However, aspects of persistent ageism are also identified, which affect particularly the oldest members of society and ethnic minorities. Armed with this knowledge, proactive steps should be taken to influence stereotyping of older people, in order to better embrace equity, diversity and inclusion for both age and ethnic background.

Successful Aging among Immigrant and Canadian-Born Older Adults: Findings from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA).

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.

Successful Aging Transition and Its Impact on Self-Rated Health and Life Satisfaction: Findings from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006-2018)

Background: The concept of successful aging (SA) is becoming more emphasized. Since this status can change over time, it is necessary to evaluate the pattern of change and its effect on subjective well-being.Methods: In this study, the participants aged 65 or older in the Korean longitudinal study of aging (KLoSA) were divided into four groups based on the change in SA (2006-2018), and its relationships with self-rated health and life satisfaction were evaluated.Results: Compared to the non-SA (NSA)→NSA group, the odds ratio for positive self-rated health was 4.30 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.64-11.31) in the SA→SA group, 3.92 (95% CI, 1.94-7.95) in the NSA→SA group, and 1.79 (95% CI, 1.28-2.50) in the SA→NSA group. High life satisfaction was 2.42 (95% CI, 1.19-4.94) in the SA→SA group and 2.50 (95% CI, 1.36-4.59) in the NSA→SA group.Conclusions: Maintenance or improvements of a SA state has a significant association with positive self-rated health and high life satisfaction.

DEFINITION OF THE CONCEPT OF «ELDERLY PEOPLE» AS CATEGORIES OF SOCIAL WORK

The relevance of the article is due to the process of progressive aging of the population, so it requires society to find new ways of social work with the elderly. The sociological discourse of the concept of "elderly person" on the personal, ideological and family-household levels in accordance with the theory of successful aging is proposed in a systematic way. Despite the sufficient number of studies, in social work today there is no universal concept of the category of "elderly people". Consideration of concepts of successful aging, which are aimed at changing the mass perception of the elderly and old age, aging as a phenomenon, to prevent discrimination and exclusion of the elderly from society, to prevent ageism and stigmatization of this population. The purpose of this article is to characterize the definition of the concept of "elderly people" as a category of social work, its content and essence. To achieve this goal we used the following general scientific research methods: generalization - to determine the essential features of this category, analysis, which consists in combining, reproducing the links of individual elements, parties, components of a complex phenomenon and thus in understanding the whole in its unity components. The category "elderly people" plays an important role in social work, absorbs many features and meanings. One of the important conditions of social work with the elderly is the adaptation of the national social protection system to the effects of demographic change, as well as the adoption at the legislative level of a clear and uniform definition of "elderly"

A Multidimensional Concept of Successful Aging among Three Generations in Pakistan: An Exploratory Research

This study has examined the subjective views of successful aging in intergenerational families (older adults, middle adults, adolescents). In this work, we have tried to explain the phenomenon of successful aging in a culturally specific way. This research draws on qualitative data collected through twenty interviews with grandparents, mother, father, and grandchild residing in five intergenerational families in Pakistan. Separate themes emerged in all the three generations, including subjective health criteria, social relations, inner standards, and religious aspect for grandparents; subjective health criteria, social relations, inner standards, and financial independence for parents; and subjective health criteria, social relations, autonomy, and academic aspect for grandchildren. These themes suggest a need to refine the concept of successful aging in Pakistan. The current study adds to the literature of successful aging in cross-cultural studies.

Queering generativity and futurity: LGBTQ2IA+ stories of resistance, resurgence, and resilience

A preoccupation with heteronormative metrics of success in aging leaves many studies of “LGBT aging” focused on the needs, failings, and vul­nerabilities of older LGBTQ2IA+ people (i.e. lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, two-spirit, intersex, asexual, and people of other nonnormative sexual and gender expressions). As a result, LGBTQ2IA+ olders are fre­quently depicted as isolated, re-closeted, or simply nonexistent. Heeding calls to intervene into such bleak and pathologizing portrayals of queer/ trans aging (e.g. Ramirez-Valles 2016; Sandberg &amp; Marshall 2017), this article explores diverse subjectivities, nonnormative aging experiences, and their potential intergenerational implications. It draws on stories of queerness, gender, aging, futurity, and social change from 13 LGBTQ2IA+ people ranging in age from 23 to 74, recorded in an intergenerational research-generation workshop held in Nogojiwanong (Peterborough, Canada) in 2018. This article argues that queer and trans stories are crucial to confronting the erasure of LGBTQ2IA+ aging, aiming to extend ongoing efforts within aging studies to queer concepts of successful aging, aging futures, generativity, and intergenerationality. Ultimately, this article aims to complicate constricted understandings of queer/trans aging, instead of depicting LGBTQ2IA+ people aging with connection, pride, learning, and purpose, as well as with struggle and vulnerability.

Considering LTSS Through the Lenses of Social Construction of Target Populations: Theory and Neoliberalism

The global increase of the older population has led to a greater demand for long term support services (LTSS) that address their rights and needs for care. However, policies among countries remain diverse with varying options, services, and recognition of human rights. This study applies the Social Construction of Target Population (SCTP) theory which relates to the perception of older adults and Neoliberalism, a political theory associated with policies of economic privatization, deregulation, and free market activity to the analysis of LTSS systems. As an example, in the United States, the concept of Successful Aging, conflicts with the need for LTSS while present Neoliberal policies that stress minimal government intervention and regulation contribute to little support for any comprehensive LTSS policy. This paper reviews existing policies in 7 countries, representing diverse regions, cultures, and political systems as a means of understanding the relationship of SCTP and Neoliberalism to LTSS. Highlighting the roles that these theories may play can assist in understanding and developing systems that meet the rights and health care needs of older adults.

Successful Aging: Re-Conceptualized

A review of the aging literature yields 105 operational definitions of “successful aging” in use. These theoretical discrepancies have caused some investigators to question the utility of the concept (Cosco et al., 2014). Investigators who remain committed to the concept acknowledge its conceptual messiness, but have found no consensus for resolution. We propose a revised concept of successful aging, combining a life-course perspective (Rowe & Kahn, 2015) with a neo-Aristotelian theoretical framework. Such a framework justifies certain changes to the definition of “successful aging;” it situates our concept of successful aging within a broader view of human development, is more inclusive, and suggests empirically adequate research questions. Specifically, conceptualizing “successful aging” along neo-Aristotelian lines means defining it as the maintenance of proper human functioning across the life-course and into late adulthood. For Aristotle, proper human functioning entails realizing one’s potential as a “rational social animal,” with rational implying goal-oriented thinking, means-ends reasoning, other forms of instrumental rationality (not excluding emotionality). Social suggests active engagement in a community, within the limits of an individuals’ comfort and ability. These two criteria determine “success” in older age. Recent research on successful aging reveals that absence of disease and disability does not appear to be a constituent of “successful aging.” Therefore, physical health is neither necessary nor sufficient for “success.” Our re-conceptualization of “successful aging” could be tested using confirmatory factor analysis, with social and reasoning/problem-solving factors loading onto a second order Successful Aging factor. This understanding allows for greater empowerment of older adults.

Explorations of Alaska Native Urban Eldership

Successful aging in Alaska Native people or “Eldership” is a state that is embedded within a cultural, relational, and generational context (Boyd, 2018; Lewis, 2011; Wexler, 2014). Eldership has been described as a developing and nuanced personal quality shaped by individual, relational, and contextual influences (Kim, 2020). Within the cultural and traditional understanding of Alaska Native people, the concept of Eldership is analogous to the Western concept of successful aging. With increasing numbers of outmigration from rural community members (Driscoll et al., 2010), this study investigated the impact of relocation from a rural traditional community to an urban Western community and its effect on the Elder’s perception of “Eldership.” This study considered the broader impact of the multi-systemic and socio-ecological context of minority and majority culture, dominant culture, and its implications for successful aging and identity (Grandbois & Sanders, 2009; Kirmayer et al., 2011). Gee’s discourse analysis was used for the systematic interpretative study of 25 Elder interviews regarding their use of language describing their lived experiences, including three identified discursive patterns: cultural discourse, psychological discourse, and Elder identity discourse. Based on the study findings, Elders’ experiences are impacted by socio-economical and cultural differences encountered during relocation shifting the cultural frame of Alaska Native “Eldership” according to rural or urban contexts.

Prosocial Behavior and Contributors to Older Adults’ Well-Being in Daily Life

This symposium reports findings from a national experience-sampling study of 165 older adults (mean age=71, range=60-88 years) who are heavily involved in prosocial activity, contributing to their communities as leaders or high-commitment volunteers in social-purpose organizations. Gerontological research has linked prosocial activity to a set of positive outcomes for the older adults who engage in it (e.g., better health and reduced mortality), including global measures of well-being such as life satisfaction. However, little is known about the contributors to these individuals’ momentary well-being. Four presentations address this gap in knowledge. In the first presentation, Dwight Tse revisits the concept of successful aging as a within-person variable with day-to-day variations. Experience sampling data revealed great variations in successful aging indicators, and successful aging was associated with better well-being as hypothesized. In the second presentation, Ajit Mann extends beyond general control beliefs and explores the diversity in distribution of control beliefs across various daily activities (e.g., active leisure, prosocial activity, socializing, etc.), in addition to investigating the relationship between later life control diversity and subjective well-being. In the third presentation, Kelsey Finley explores Aristotle’s concept of the golden mean (an ideal state between deficiency and excess) for the number of hours spent in prosocial work on momentary well-being outcomes. In the fourth presentation, Jeanne Nakamura examines the relationship between global meaning in life and meaningful engagement in the moment, illuminating variation in this relationship through a comparison of the prosocial leaders and high-commitment volunteers.

The Concept of Successful Aging: A Review Article.

BackgroundWith the increasing number of elderly people in the world, usage of concepts and terminology related to this phenomenon has substantially increased. One concept in this context is successful aging. The purpose of the present study is to extract and introduce a common concept to be used in studies on measuring successful aging.MethodsThis is a review study. First, by searching the databases of Magiran, Noormags, Medlib, Irandoc, Iranmedex, Barakat Knowledge Network System, Civilica, SID, ISI Web Of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and search engines, Google Scholar and Elmnet as well as using standard keywords such as elder, elderly, aging, and successful aging, all related published articles during the period 1995 to 2017 were retrieved. A total of 3417 documents were retrieved. By removing 3390 unrelated, duplicate and unusable documents, 27 articles were included in the study after quality control.ResultsThe findings of the study were categorized in three areas: “defining successful aging by focusing on dimensions”, “successful aging principles” and “factors influencing successful aging”. Reviewing various studies, we found that the definition of successful aging deals with cognitive action, perception, control, life satisfaction, and ethics. Successful aging is also defined as having inner feelings of happiness and satisfaction with life for the present and the past. Sometimes successful aging is also considered to be survival with health.ConclusionHealth care professionals as community health supporters can use the results from the present study for providing the grounds for successful aging. Then, they can use the designed successful aging program for preserving and promoting active and healthy aging for every elderly person in old age.

Aging Successfully: Possible in Principle? Possible for all? Desirable for all?

The human lifespan is constantly increasing across the world. Therefore, the question whether aging can take a “successful” route likely never has been as up-to-date as today. Still, gerontology continues to struggle with the concept of successful aging. In part I of this work, I outline six models of successful aging currently most discussed in aging science. Next, I compare the models according to four indicator domains: Psychologically oriented, socially oriented, bio-physical functioning oriented, and other. In part II, I address three key questions related to successful aging: Is successful aging possible in principle? Is it possible for all? Is it desirable for all? Regarding the first question, the conclusion based on empirical data is that across all models except the biological model aging successfully is possible in principle. Hence, I answer this question with a “YES, BUT.” Successful aging at the bio-level so far seems very limited. In terms of question 2, expecting largely increasing portions of older adults fulfilling various of the so far established criteria of aging successfully in the future seem overly optimistic. Hence, I answer this question with “NO.” For question 3, I critique the at first glance obvious persuasiveness of successful aging as a generally to be achieved end state. For example, it may be that norms of successful aging undermine old age’s cultural richness in the future. Hence, I answer this question with “NOT SURE.”

SUCCESSFUL AGING SCALE DEVELOPMENT FOR COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLD-OLD (75+) IN CHINA: A PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS

Thousands of articles have discussed the concept of successful aging, yet no existed scale to measure its components among old-old (age 75+) in urban China. This study used a mixed method to develop a valid scale in Shanghai from July 2016 to Nov 2018. We first conducted 97 semi-structured, in-depth interviews on community-dwelling old-old and listed 70 items based on the findings and previous studies (e.g., Lubben, 1988). Ten multidisciplinary professionals and eight old-old had focus groups to evaluate the content validity of the scale. We used the final 22 items to survey 208 community-dwelling old-old in twelve neighborhoods. The mean age is 81, with 40% females. The principal component analysis showed a 13-item scale representing four domains (self-reliant, aging attitude, self-value expression, and social support), with 0.67 total reliability (Cronbach's Alpha). This study provided a set of quality indicators to evaluate old-old’s life in urban China.

“When I Get Older Losing My Hair...” - Individuals’ Concepts of Successful Aging

“When I Get Older Losing My Hair...” - Individuals’ Concepts of Successful Aging

Identity negotiation of older people in a mobility context: The case of train journeys

This research sets out to understand the process of identity negotiation undertaken by older people. The limitations associated with the ageing process are increasing. Older people must also negotiate with regard to the social image of ageing. They encounter this identity negotiation in an emblematic manner in mobility contexts. The research, conducted on the basis of an ethnographic methodology of train journeys, identifies four identity-negotiation strategies for older people, based on stoic fatalism, opportunistic acceptance, empowering appropriation and similar adequacy. These four strategies may be adopted by a single person during the same journey. They are then discussed in relation to the concept of successful ageing.