Criteria For Successful Aging Research Articles

The association between sleep duration trajectories and successful aging: a population-based cohort study

BackgroundInsufficient or excessive sleep duration are associated with increased risk of individual adverse outcomes. However, it remains largely unknown whether sleep duration trajectories are associated with overall health among older adults. This study aimed to examine the association between sleep duration trajectories and successful aging.MethodsIn the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), 3,306 participants without major chronic diseases at baseline and survived to aged 60 years and older at the end of follow-up were potentially eligible participants. Total sleep duration was assessed in 2011, 2013, and 2015, and successful aging was evaluated in 2020 and was defined as being free of major chronic diseases, no physical impairment, high cognitive function, good mental health, and active engagement with life. Latent class mixed model (LCMM) was used to identify sleep duration trajectories and logistic regression was performed to explore the association between these trajectories and successful aging.ResultsDuring the 9-year follow-up, 455 individuals (13.8%) met the criteria for successful aging. Five sleep duration trajectories were identified: normal stable, long stable, decreasing, increasing, and short stable. Compared with the normal stable trajectory, the adjusted ORs (95% CI) for achieving successful aging for participants with long stable, decreasing, increasing, and short stable trajectories were 1.00 (0.77, 1.30), 0.64 (0.40, 1.03), 0.64 (0.45, 0.92), and 0.48 (0.35, 0.66), respectively. The stratified and sensitivity analyses were generally consistent with the main results.ConclusionsIncreasing and short stable trajectories of sleep duration are associated with lower odds of successful aging relative to participants in the normal stable trajectory. The findings underscore the critical importance of monitoring dynamic changes in sleep duration in middle-aged and older Chinese adults.

Testing a Context-Enriched Model of Successful Aging in Multiple Large Data Infrastructures with Individuals in Advanced Old Age.

Few people who are ages 80+ meet the criteria of successful aging (SA) proposed by Rowe and Kahn. Going beyond the individual-level conceptualization, we argue that SA always operates in multiple contexts and that context may become most critical in advanced old age. However, we are not aware of any previous study providing an empirical test of how contexts for SA unfold across persons 80 years and older, including those living in institutions. We estimated and compared prevalences of successful aging based on a classic versus context-enriched understanding of SA in multiple large surveys of older adults, i.e., the D80+ study (N = 3.233) and the NRW80+ study (N [baseline] = 1.863). In addition to replication across independent samples, we investigated the stability of context-related SA across time. Prevalences of SA according to Rowe and Kahn were 9.1% in adults aged 80-84 and 0.7% in persons 90 years or older. However, prevalence rates for those with good contexts at their disposal even if not fulfilling Rowe and Kahn's criteria were much higher across all age groups (80-84 years: 54.9%, 90 years and older: 44.4%). Greater two-year stability was observed for contextual compared to individual criteria. Notably, positive effects of context on SA were stronger at onset compared to late fourth age. Our findings support a contextualized understanding of SA and inform policy that furthering SA in the fourth age requires the optimization of multiple contexts at the community level.

Successful Aging and Subjective Aging: Toward a Framework to Research a Neglected Connection.

Research related to subjective aging, which describes how individuals perceive, interpret and evaluate their own aging, has substantially grown in the past two decades. Evidence from longitudinal studies shows that subjective aging predicts health, quality of life, and functioning in later life. However, the existing literature on successful aging has mostly neglected the role of subjective aging. This paper proposes an extended framework of successful aging linking subjective aging conceptually and empirically to Rowe and Kahn's (1997) three original key criteria of successful aging (i.e., avoiding disease and disability, maintaining high cognitive and physical function, and engagement with life). A particular focus is placed on subjective aging as an antecedent of successful aging. A review of the empirical subjective aging literature shows that subjective aging concepts consistently predict all three of Rowe and Kahn's criteria of successful aging. Mechanisms underlying these relations are discussed at three levels, namely psychological, behavioral, and physiological pathways. The proposed addition also takes into consideration the interconnections between subjective aging and successful aging throughout the lifespan and across historical time. Finally, we discuss the importance of facilitating successful aging through systematic interventions that support more positive views of aging at the individual and societal level.

Validation of a Computable Phenotype for Successful Cognitive Aging

AbstractBackgroundStudying successful cognitive aging presents an opportunity to identify factors that may mitigate risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders to inform public health initiatives, community interventions, and policy. Yet, identifying these cohorts is challenging, especially at advanced ages. Commutable phenotype algorithms using electronic health records may serve as an aid to identify cohorts of advanced age adults with intact cognitive function. The purpose of this study was to 1) establish, 2) apply, and 3) validate a machine learning‐based computing algorithm for recruitment of successful aging individuals for clinical cohort study.MethodWe identified EHR‐available variables representing successful aging among individuals 85 years and older (85+) by interviewing a panel comprised of 10 aging experts. Based on the identified variables, we developed a rule‐based computable phenotype algorithm composed of 17 inclusion or exclusion criteria. We applied the computable phenotype algorithm to screen all living persons age 85+ at UF Health and identified those meeting successful aging criteria and endeavored to directly evaluate them.There were 52,841 living 85+ individuals identified at UF Health. Of these 24,024 were identified as successful aged by the computable phenotype algorithm. This sample frame was 58% female, 59% White, and 69% non‐Hispanic. A priori permission to be contacted for research had been obtained on 11,898 of these persons, of whom 470 responded to study announcements and 333 consented to evaluation.The main outcomes measures were individuals identified by the computational algorithm subsequently being validated by virtue of having a modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status score >27 and Geriatric Depression Scale <6.ResultsForty‐five percent of all living persons 85+ in the UF Health EHR database were identified by the computable phenotype as successfully aged. Approximately 4% of these persons responded to study announcements and 333 were consented. Of these 333, 218 (65%) were ‘validated’ as meeting successful cognitive aging criteria via direct evaluation (See Figure).ConclusionsThe study validated a computable phenotype algorithm for recruitment of individuals for a successful aging study using large‐scale EHRs. Our study provides proof‐of‐concept of using big data and informatics as aids for recruitment of individuals for prospective cohort studies.

Pathways from education and childhood parental death to successful aging: the role of social conditions and perceived income level

Objectives Although the association between adverse childhood conditions and health in later life has been relatively well established, little is known about how and through which mechanism this association develops. Building on the developmental adaptation model (Martin & Martin, 2002), the present study investigates the effects of distal and proximal influences on successful aging (SA). Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 475 adults aged 50 and above (Mean age = 72.13, SD = 10.46). SA was measured based on Rowe and Kahn’s successful aging criteria model (1997) and an SA operationalization based on a number of multidimensional biopsychosocial indicators, including no disease and disability, active engagement with life, high physical and cognitive functioning, psychological well-being, life satisfaction and a one-item subjective SA question. Results Parental death had no direct effect on SA (β = .03, p = .629), whereas education had (β = .39, p < .001). Furthermore, perceived income level and social conditions were identified as two sequential mediators between both education and SA; and parental death and SA. Conclusions The findings suggest that both early life and current factors contribute to explaining SA in a variety of ways.

Association of Diet Quality With Longevity and Successful Aging in Israeli Adults 65 Years or Older

To our knowledge, the role of overall diet quality in successful aging has not been conclusively demonstrated. To prospectively examine the association between diet quality and longevity and successful aging in a population-based cohort of older adults. Participants in "Mabat Zahav" (the Israeli National Health and Nutrition Survey of Older Adults), an older adult cohort (aged ≥65 years) consisting of a random sample of 1770 individuals, were recruited from July 2005 to December 2006 (time 1 [T1]). Survivors of T1 were again contacted and asked to participate in a second interview. From May 2017 to June 2019 (time 2 [T2]), an extensive face-to-face interview and a functional assessment were conducted in each participant's home in a subsample of 604 participants from T1, representing 72.7% of 820 surviving individuals who were able to complete interviews and assessments. A 24-hour dietary recall, assessed at T1, was used to calculate scores from the 2015 version of the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015) (scores range from 0 [worst diet] to 100 [best diet]). Time to death, with follow-up lasting through June 2019, and successful aging. The latter, based on T2 assessment, was defined as (objectively measured) preserved physical and cognitive function and (subjective) mental well-being and favorable self-rated health. Inverse probability weighting was used in the analysis to minimize attrition bias. At T1, the study included 1770 participants (mean [SD] age, 74.6 [6.2] years; 943 women [53%]). On average, participants with higher HEI-2015 scores had healthier lifestyles and higher socioeconomic status at T1. During a median follow-up duration of 12.6 years (IQR, 7.6-13.2 years), 893 deaths occurred. Among the 596 T2 participants analyzed (mean [SD] age, 84.1 [4.4] years; 334 [56%] women), 242 (40%) met successful aging criteria. After adjustment for sociodemographic and lifestyle risk factors, a higher HEI-2015 score was inversely associated with mortality (hazard ratios, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.72-0.99 in the upper tertile and 0.83; 95% CI, 0.71-0.98 in the middle tertile vs the lower tertile; P = .04 for trend) and was positively associated with successful aging (odds ratios, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.10-2.72 in the upper tertile and 1.30; 95% CI, 0.83-2.03 in the middle tertile vs the lower tertile; P = .03 for trend). In this cohort study of older adults in Israel, improved diet quality was associated with increased longevity and successful aging in a dose-dependent manner. These data contribute to the body of literature that suggests diet quality is associated with aging in the older age group.

Analyzing the specific role of cognitive functioning on successful aging

Introduction The cognitive functioning, as a general measure, is a criterion commonly used to define and operationalize successful aging. (Project-Conacyt-256589) The aim of this study is to analyze specific domains of cognitive function and its relationship with the successful aging in older adults. Methods Population based, random sample included n=453 community-dwelling older adults 60-years and older (mean age=72.51,SD=8.11 years,59.4% women). Cognitive functioning was assessed by a comprehensive battery including working memory(Digit Span Backward WAIS-IV), episodic memory, meta-memory(self-report), processing speed(Symbol Digit WAIS-IV), attention(TMT-A), executive functioning(TMT-B), learning potential(RAVLT), language(FAS), visuospatial skills(Block Design WAIS-IV). Successful aging was operationalized as no important disease, no disability, physical functioning, cognitive functioning, and being actively engaged. Sociodemographic and health data were also asked. Data were analyzed in SPSSv24, MANOVAs and size effects were calculated. Results In total 11.2% were successful agers and 11.4% had Mild Cognitive impairment. Global cognitive functioning was significantly related to the achievement of successful aging criteria. Cognitive functioning had a significant effect on successful aging, specifically executive functions (F=1.07,p=.000) explained 32.7% of the variance, attention explained 29.8% (F=1.19,p=.006), processing-speed 21% (F=1.38,p=.000), and learning potential 21.5% ((F=1.12,p=.005). Language, visuospatial skills, working memory and meta-memory had a very small effect. Conclusion Knowledge generated by this study reveals the specific role of cognitive domains on successful aging, and sets a scenario to promote successful aging, through alternatives centered in the improvement of cognition in the older adults.

A longitudinal view of successful aging with HIV: role of resilience and environmental factors.

The purpose of this study is to estimate the extent to which people aging with HIV meet criteria for successful aging as operationalized through HRQL and maintain this status over time. A second objective is to identify factors that place people at promise for continued successful aging, including environmental and resilience factors. Participants were members of the Positive Brain Health Now (BHN) cohort. People ≥ 50years (n = 513) were classified as aging successfully if they were at or above norms on 7 or 8 of 8 health-related quality of life domains from the RAND-36. Group-based trajectory analysis, regression tree analysis, a form of machine learning, and logistic regression were applied to identify factors predicting successful aging. 73 (14·2%) met criteria for successful aging at entry and did not change status over time. The most influential factor was loneliness which split the sample into two groups with the prevalence of successful aging 28·4% in the "almost never" lonely compared to 4·6% in the "sometimes/often" lonely group. Other influential factors were feeling safe, social network, motivation, stigma, and socioeconomic status. These factors identified 17 sub-groups with at least 30 members with the proportions classified as aging successfully ranging from 0 to 79·4%. The nine variables important to classifying successful aging had a predictive accuracy of 0.862. Self-reported cognition but not cognitive test performance improved this accuracy to 0.895. The two groups defined by successful aging status did not differ on age, sex or viral load, nadir and current. The results indicate the important role of social determinants of health in successful aging among people living with HIV.

A Longitudinal View of Successful Aging With HIV: Role of Resilience and Environmental Factors

Background: Much attention is paid to the negative aspects of aging with HIV. Less is known about those doing well, yet much could be learned from those aging successfully. Objective: The purpose of this study is to estimate the extent to which people aging with HIV met criteria for successful aging and maintained this status over time. A second objective was to identify factors that placed people at promise for successful aging. Methods: Participants were members of the Positive Brain Health Now (BHN) cohort which recruited from five Canadian sites (2014-2016) with prospective follow-up over 27 months. People ≥50 were classified as aging successfully if they were at or above norms on 7 or 8 of 8 health-related quality of life domains from the RAND-36. Promise factors covered socio-demographic, HIV, co-morbidity, lifestyle, resilience, and environmental domains. Group-based Trajectory Analysis, logistic regression and regression tree analysis, a form of machine learning, were applied. Results: Of the 513 people age ≥50 at study entry, 73 (14·2%) met criteria for successful aging at entry and over time. The most influential factor was loneliness: splitting the sample into two groups with the prevalence of successful aging 28·4% in the not-lonely compared to 4·6% in the lonely. Other influential factors were feeling safe, social network, motivation, stigma, and socioeconomic status. These factors identified 17 sub-groups with at least 30 members with the proportions classified as aging successfully ranging from 0% to 79·4%. Conclusion: The results indicate the important role of social determinants of health in successful aging in people with HIV. Funding Statement: This project was supported by grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (LKF,MJB, NM, TCO-125272), the CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network (CTN 273), and salary support from the Fonds de Recherche Sante du Quebec (LKF) and the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (MJB). Declaration of Interests: Authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: All procedures performed were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Board of each of the participating institutions. All participants provided informed consent.

The Factors Associated with Successful Aging in Elderly: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Successful aging (SA) is defined as adding life to years and as feeling satisfied with past and present life. Criteria for successful aging: free of disease and disability; high levels of physical and cognitive functioning; and social engagement. The aim of this study was to describe factors associated with successful aging among older peopleMethods: The literature search strategy identified 1.914 articles. The PRISMA strategy was used to identify articles that met inclusion criteria. Initially 255 duplicated studies were excluded; resulting in 1659 articles screened for inclusion in this review. A further 1567 articles were removed based on the title and abstract. The remaining 32 articles were assessed for inclusion this review. Nineteen articles were excluded. In total 13 studies met inclusion criteria for this review. These 13 studies were assessed for quality, data extraction and synthesis.Results: The factors associated with successful aging are age, gender, few physical morbidities, absence of depression, body weight or BMI in the overweight range, carrying out more than six AADL and high levels of physical activity, education, smoking, alcohol consumption, marital status, proactive engagement, wellness resources, positive spirit, and valued relationships, sleep quality, leisure activity, economic status, religious activity, and high perceived meaningfulness.Conclusion: The factors that influence successful aging are socio-demographic factor, physiological, psychological, and lifestyle behavioral factors. This study shed light on the key factors that healthcare providers or researchers should consider in intervention studies and programs to promote healthy aging.

At-a-glance - Living arrangements and health status of seniors in the 2018 Canadian Community Health Survey.

Currently, 1 in 3 Canadian seniors meet the criteria for successful aging, which include low probability of disease and disability, high cognitive and physical ability and active engagement in life. The sociodemographic characteristic of living alone can identify high-risk seniors, due to its association with lower social support and interactions, thus increasing susceptibility to negative health outcomes in older age. However, limited data exists on the living arrangements of Canadian seniors. In this analysis, we present sociodemographic characteristics and measures of health and social well-being of seniors by living arrangement. This information should be used to identify and support vulnerable seniors and increase the prevalence of healthy aging among Canadians.

PERFORMANCE ON COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING RELATED TO SUCCESSFUL AGING

Introduction The cognitive functioning, as a general measure, is a criterion commonly used to define and operationalize successful aging. (Project-Conacyt-256589) The aim of this study is to analyze cognitive function and its relationship with the successful aging in older adults. Methods Population based, random sample included n=401 community-dwelling older adults 60-years and older (mean age=72.51,SD=8.11 years,59.4% women). Cognitive functioning was assessed by a comprehensive battery including working memory(Digit Span Backward WAIS-IV), episodic memory, metamemory(self-report), processing speed(Symbol Digit WAIS-IV), attention(TMT-A), executive functioning(TMT-B), learning potential(RAVLT), language(FAS), visuospatial skills(Block Design WAIS-IV). Successful aging was operationalized in accordance with Rowe & Kahn definition (no important disease, no disability, physical functioning, cognitive functioning, and being actively engaged). Sociodemographic and health data were also asked. Data were analyzed in SPSSv24. Results In total 11.2% were successful agers and 11.4% had Mild Cognitive impairment. Global cognitive functioning was significantly related to the achievement of successful aging criteria. Specifically, the more successful agers showed a significant (p′s<.05) better performance on learning potential, working memory, metamemory, processing speed and attention. Executive functions were not related to successful aging criteria. None cognitive domain was related to the being actively engaged criteria. Better visuospatial skills were showed in older adults meeting the criteria of being free of disability and high physical functioning. Conclusion Knowledge generated by this study reveals the role of specific domains of cognitive functioning in successful aging, and sets a scenario to promote successful aging, through alternatives centered in the improvement of cognition in the older adults.

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH AND SUCCESSFUL AGING: THE MULTI-ETHNIC STUDY OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Individual risk factors have been shown to be associated with successful aging. However, the combined effect of behaviors and biomarkers on successful aging remains unclear. By using the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) dataset, this study was to examine the association of AHA’s Cardiovascular Health (CVH) with successful aging. A total of 1,597 who were followed from baseline (2000-2002) at age 49-64 through exam 6 (2016-2018) at age 65-80 were included. CVH, including smoking, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, diet, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose, was measured at baseline. The CVH score, ranging from 0-14, was divided into ideal (11–14), intermediate (9–10), and poor (0–8) groups. Normal or successful aging, defined as avoiding major disease (including cancer, cardiovascular, or severe lung or kidney diseases), no disability, high cognitive function, high physical functioning, and engagement with life, was assessed at exam 6. We compared the cumulative incidence of successful aging among three groups. Modified Poisson regression model was employed to estimate relative risk (RR) adjusting for age, gender, race, education, income, marital status, and alcohol consumption. Among study participants at baseline, 36% were in ideal, 39% in Intermediate, and 25% in poor CVH. By exam 6, only 18% met the criteria for successful aging. Compared with the poor group, the adjusted RRs (95 % CI) of successful aging for the intermediate and ideal groups were 1.78 (1.23-2.56) and 2.56 (1.79-3.67). Our data suggest that CVH in midlife is associated with successful aging in later life.

SUCCESSFUL AGING IN EAST ASIA: A COMPARISON OF CHINA, KOREA, AND JAPAN

Numerous studies have examined prevalence and correlates of successful aging in North America and Europe, using Rowe and Kahn’s model which encompasses avoidance of disease and disability, maintenance of high physical and cognitive function, and sustained engagement in social and productive activities. However, evidence in East Asia still remains sparse despite rapid population aging worldwide. This study compared prevalence and correlates of successful aging in East Asia: China, Korea, and Japan. We used harmonized datasets (collected between 2010–2011) from the three countries: The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, the Korean Longitudinal Study, and the Japanese Study on Aging and Retirement. A total of 7,996 participants aged between 65 and 80 years were included. Indicators of successful aging criteria included no disease, no disability, high cognitive function, and active engagement. Age, gender, and education were entered to the model as covariates. Two dummy variables were created to indicate China or Korea, with Japan as the reference. A logistic regression model showed that the prevalence of successful agers did not differ among countries, and that participants aged 75 years and older (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.46－0.68), female (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.41－0.55), and with lower education (less than lower secondary versus tertiary: OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.47－0.80) were less likely to age successfully. This study emphasizes that demographic factors are closely related to successful aging across countries rather than cross-country variation in East Asia.

Usporedba biomedicinskoga i alternativnoga modela uspješnoga starenja

One of the most prominent models of successful aging (Rowe and Kahn, 1997) is based on three criteria: freedom from disease, high physical and cognitive functioning, and active engagement with life. Research has shown that the application of this model on very old people results in a substantially decreased number of successful agers. So recent studies are oriented toward finding alternative criteria in order to extend the concept of successful aging and make it more applicable on the very old. Using data collected on a sample of 479 older subjects, 60 to 95 years old, we compared two models of successful aging, namely the biomedical and the alternative model (the latter using the following criteria: good subjective health, perception of good financial status and high level of happiness). The criteria of the alternative model were met by 19.4 % of the older subjects, while the application of the criteria of Rowe and Kahn’s model resulted in a substantially lower percentage of successful agers (7.9 %) in the same sample. In the next step of the analysis, we compared two extreme groups (successful and unsuccessful agers), finding out that there were no significant age and sex differences 537 between them. Nevertheless, the successful group scored significantly higher on the self-rated successful aging, optimism, and generativity scales. The results of the study indicate the continued need to consider the criteria of successful aging in order to make this construct more applicable and utilizable.

'I'm still here, I'm still alive': Understanding successful aging in the context of HIV.

As people living with HIV (PLWH) live longer, increased understanding of individuals' values and perceptions of successful aging can assist health providers in working with PLWH to set meaningful goals as they age. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand how PLWH define successful aging and their perceptions of contributors to successful aging. Fourteen men and ten women over the age of 50 years (mean age 57 years; mean time since diagnosis 18 years) participated in individual interviews. Interviews were analyzed using directed content analysis. Six themes emerged: accepting limitations, staying positive, maintaining social supports, taking responsibility, living a healthy lifestyle, and engaging in meaningful activities. The participants emphasized individual control. This highlights the importance of working with PLWH to understand their values and aspirations, and create patient-centered goals. From a research perspective this reinforces calls to include the subjective experiences of older adults in developing successful aging criteria.

Comparison of personality traits and successful aging in older Taiwanese.

The present study aimed to compare the difference of personality traits and successful aging among older Taiwanese adults. The proportions of successful agers who meet the criteria for successful aging was also be proposed. A comparative descriptive study design was applied. To measure the definition of successful aging, three concepts proposed by Rowe and Kahn with five indicators were included. Demographic data were compared by the χ2 -test and Fisher's exact test across the subgroups defined by social economic status, marital status, and health habits. The comparison of personality traits and successful aging was applied by logistic regression. The results of the present study showed that the personality traits of conscientiousness, openness and emotional stability were found to be related to the dimensions of successful aging. In addition, except for the personality trait of openness, the personality traits of conscientiousness, extraversion, emotional stability and agreeableness were significantly different in the successful aging versus the non-successful aging group. The present study found the differences between personality traits and successful aging. Our study also provided essential information with regard to the differences of successful aging for older people. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2239-2246.

Successful Aging from the Viewpoint of Older Adults: Development of a Brief Successful Aging Inventory (SAI)

Objective: Researcher-defined criteria for successful aging (SA) have been criticized for their limited perspective and failure to acknowledge subjective perceptions of older individuals. We assessed the extent to which older individuals consider specific factors, which they had suggested, to be important in defining SA. The present study had 2 objectives: (a) to develop a brief multidimensional questionnaire for assessing SA and to evaluate its psychometric properties; and (b) to examine age associations with each dimension of SA. Methods: A survey was conducted with 550 participants in a panel study of older adult residents of an elderly retirement community and with community-dwelling older adults, regarding factors that they considered to be important for SA. The psychometric evaluation involved exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, reliability and validity analyses, and measurement invariance testing. Partial correlations were used to examine the association of age with SA. Results: The 4-factor solution provided a satisfactory fit to the data: proactive engagement, wellness resources, positive spirit, and valued relationships. Metric measurement invariance for this factor structure was confirmed across 2 age groups. The findings also suggest that the Successful Aging Inventory (SAI) scale might be a useful predictor of SA. Discussion: Our findings highlight the value of considering more comprehensive models of SA that include social relationships and proactive engagement.

Older Adults' Online Dating Profiles and Successful Aging.

This study examined how relevant Rowe and Kahn's three criteria of successful aging were to older adults' self-portrayals in online dating profiles: low probability of disease and disability, high functioning, and active life engagement. In this cross-sectional study, 320 online dating profiles of older adults were randomly selected and coded based on the criteria. Logistic regression analyses determined whether age, gender, and race/ethnicity predicted self-presentation. Few profiles were indicative of successful aging due to the low prevalence of the first two criteria; the third criterion, however, was identified in many profiles. Native Americans were significantly less likely than other ethnic groups to highlight the first two criteria. Younger age predicted presenting the first criterion. Women's presentation of the third criterion remained significantly high with age. The findings suggest that the criteria may be unimportant to older adults when seeking partners, or they may reflect the exclusivity of this construct.

Success at 100 is easier said than done--comments on Araújo et al: successful aging at 100 years.

Few would argue that achieving the age of 100 years is extraordinary, but what about the quality of life at this extreme age? Is it worth it to live to 100 and beyond? The study by Araújo, Ribero, Teixeira, and Paúl (2015) in three ways provided an answer to this question substantiating and complementing recent findings about successful aging in extreme old age (Poon and Perls, 2007; Martin et al., 2015). First, the study joined other investigators in asking whether the criteria for successful aging posed by Rowe and Kahn (1997) are applicable for older adults at the end stage of a very long life. Second, the study shed light on whether objective or subjective criteria are more appropriate to gauge levels of successful aging for the oldest old (e.g. Pruchno et al., 2010; Cho et al., 2012). Finally, the study provided additional data on psychological, social, and economic resources that enhance the needed ingredients of successful aging at the century mark.