Successful Aging Inventory Research Articles

Gerotranscendence, Hope, and Coherence in the Face of Life Adversity.

Background and Purpose: Older adults are living longer and becoming more diverse. The current study examined the relationship between traumatic life events, hope, coherence, and successful aging in Black and White older adults with at least one chronic health condition, and the influence of life events on gerotranscendence. Methods: Fifty older adults from two senior centers participated. Participants completed the Successful Aging Inventory, Life Events Checklist, Herth Hope Index, and Sense of Coherence Scale. Results: Significant correlations were found between successful aging and gerotranscendence (r = .290; p = .048) and hope (r = .585; p = <.001). Simple linear regression found that Successful Aging Index (SAI) scores significantly predicted gerotranscendence (R2 = .10, F(1, 46) = 5.157, p = .028) and Herth Hope Index scores (R2 = .36, F(1, 46) = 25.850, p <.001). Higher Sense of Coherence (SoC) and Gerotranscendence Scale scores among those with no firsthand trauma experience suggest that experiencing traumatic events firsthand may adversely affect the aging process. Implications: Therefore, exploration of trauma experiences, with mental health referrals as appropriate are clinical implications to consider.

Social Support, Health Behaviors, Self-Esteem, and Successful Aging in a Sub-Saharan African Sample of Older Adults: Test of a Sequential Mediation Model.

Previous research demonstrates that social support facilitates successful aging across all cultures. However, the factors that potentially mediate the link between social support and successful aging remain unclear. This study examined whether a healthy lifestyle and self-esteem mediate the association between social support and successful aging. It was hypothesized that the relationship between social support (family, friends, and significant other) and successful aging would be serially mediated by both healthy lifestyle and self-esteem. Participants were 479 Nigerian retirees (53.4% female) aged 60 to 90 years (Mage = 64.81, SD = 6.86). They provided information on relevant demographic variables and completed the following measures: Fantastic Lifestyle Checklist (Fitness Appraisal), Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Scale, and Successful Aging Inventory. Three separate regression models (family, friends, and significant other dimensions of social support) were conducted using the Hayes PROCESS macro for SPSS with 5,000 bootstrap estimates. Controlling for age and sex, family support, significant other support, friends support, healthy lifestyle, and self-esteem were directly associated with successful aging. The association between family support and successful aging was mediated by healthy lifestyle; and this was also seen for friends' support and significant other support. The sequential path from social support to successful aging through healthy lifestyle, and then via improved self-esteem, was significant for family support and significant other support, but not friends support. Findings suggest that middle-aged to older adults who have strong support from their families and significant others may be more likely to engage in healthy behaviors and, in turn, experience higher levels of self-esteem, thereby aging well.

The impact of social support for older adults in nursing homes on successful aging: a moderated mediation model.

To investigate the connection between social support (SS) and successful aging (SA) in older adults residing in nursing homes, examining the mediating role of meaning in life (MIL). Additionally, this study aims to assess whether frailty moderates the mediation model. A cross-sectional survey approach was employed to recruit older adults from six nursing homes in Sichuan Province between August 2022 and December 2022. Questionnaires, including the General Information Questionnaire, Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI), and Successful Aging Inventory (SAI), were administered. Data obtained from the completed questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS and its macro program PROCESS. SS emerged as a noteworthy positive predictor of SA in older adults of nursing homes. MIL was identified as a partial mediator in the link between SS and SA. Furthermore, frailty attenuated the positive predictive impact of MIL on SA and moderated the latter part of the mediation model, wherein SS influences SA through MIL. The influence of MIL on SA was more pronounced in older adults with lower frailty levels in nursing homes, while it was diminished in those with higher levels of frailty. Apart from ensuring the availability of essential medical resources in long-term care for older adults, workers in nursing homes should also recognize the significance of "spiritual aging" to cultivate a sense of MIL among older adults. Simultaneously, attention must be directed toward screening for frailty indicators in older adults. Psychological care and physical exercise programs should be intensified for older adults with a high level of frailty, aiming to decelerate the progression of frailty in nursing home residents. This approach leverages the mediating role of MIL and the moderating influence of frailty, ultimately enhancing SA and promoting healthy aging in older adults within nursing home settings.

Attitudes Towards Aging - an Explanatory Mechanism for the Relationship Between Perceived Age Discrimination and Successful Aging

Purpose: The aim of the present study is to investigate how age discrimination affects successful aging, but also whether internalizing negative attitudes towards old age explains the relationship between the two variables. Materials and Methods: The study involved 391 people aged between 35 and 90, 315 women and 76 men. The tools used were The Fraboni Scale of Ageism, Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire, and Successful Aging Inventory. Outcomes: According to the results, there was no statistically significant correlation between perceptions of age discrimination and successful aging. Also, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between negative attitudes towards aging and successful aging. Finally, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between the perception of age discrimination and negative attitudes towards aging. Conclusions: The approach in the present study allows for a deeper understanding of subjective perceptions of one’s own aging. The study investigated two variables that may have relevance in understanding subjective successful aging - perceived age discrimination and negative attitudes toward aging. The results allow us to better understand the antecedents of successful aging and their importance.

Mediating effect of successful aging on the relationship between psychological resilience and death anxiety among middle-aged and older adults with hypertension.

The aging trend of China's population is severe and successful aging (SA) is imminent. Aging can lead to various chronic diseases, with hypertension being the most common. Due to this lifelong disease, patients suffer from many anxieties, as death anxiety (DA) can be the most prevalent. Studies have exhibited that middle-aged adults approaching the transition to an older state show more pronounced DA than the more senior. It has been suggested that psychological resilience (PR) can reduce DA. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the mediating effect of SA between PR and DA in middle-aged and older adults with hypertension. A cross-sectional survey was designed. From August to December 2021, 298 middle-aged and older adults with hypertension were selected by multistage cluster random sampling in three districts (Ling he District, Gu ta District, and Tai He District) of Jinzhou City, Liaoning Province. They were surveyed using the demographic questionnaires, the Conner-Davidson Resilience Scale, the Successful Aging Inventory, and the Chinese version of a Likert-type Templer-Death Anxiety Scale. Descriptive analyses, independent sample T-test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to describe demographic characteristics among hypertensive patients with different characteristics, respectively. Statistics were considered significant when P < 0.05. Pearson correlation coefficients describe the relationship between PR, SA, and DA. The research model was shaped through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). SPSS PROCESS macro was used to verify the mediation model. A binary logistic regression model was used with DA as the dependent variable. The scores for PR, SA, and DA in hypertensive patients are (49.52 ± 14.38) points, (51.22 ± 7.63) points, and (46.67 ± 9.03) points. PR was negatively correlated with DA (r = -0.307, P < 0.01). Moreover, incorporating SA as a mediating variable in PR and DA, SA was positively correlated with PR (r = 0.335, P < 0.01) and DA (r = 0.085, P > 0.05). The direct effect is opposite to the sign of the indirect effect. There is a suppression between PR and DA with a percentage of 20.7%. Good self-assessed health status [0.057 (0.018, 0.183)] may be a protective factor for DA. Healthcare providers should improve the PR of middle-aged and older adults with hypertension through interventions that reduce DA and increase the likelihood of SA.

Factors related to successful aging among community-dwelling elderly in Wenzhou, China

Abstract Objectives: To examine the level of successful aging and the relationship between successful aging and activities of daily living (ADL), life satisfaction, social support, income, and self-efficacy among community-dwelling elderly in Wenzhou, China. Methods: A descriptive correlational design was applied. Subjects were community-dwelling elderly in 4 districts of Wenzhou, China. Simple random sampling was used to recruit 83 participants. All participants were screened using the Mini-Cog tool. Data were collected using 6 questionnaires such as a demographic questionnaire, the Successful Aging Inventory (SAI), the Barthel Index for ADL, the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. Results: The results showed that 53% of the participants had a higher level of successful aging and 43.4% had a moderate level of successful aging with a mean score of 56.76 (standard deviation [SD] = 12.31). Factors such as elderly income (r = 0.73, P &lt; 0.001) and self-efficacy (r = 0.72, P &lt; 0.001) had high correlations with successful aging, whereas ADL (r = 0.67, P &lt; 0.001), life satisfaction (r = 0.63, P &lt; 0.001), and social support (r = 0.36, P &lt; 0.001) had moderate correlations with successful aging. Conclusions: There was a significant positive correlation between successful aging and ADL, life satisfaction, social support, income, and self-efficacy among community-dwelling elderly in Wenzhou, China. The findings may guide the formulation of more effective health education and intervention measures to improve successful aging among the elderly.

Evaluation of the measurement properties of the self-rated successful aging inventory: A COSMIN systematic review

This study aimed to systematically review studies of the psychometric properties of the self-rated successful aging inventory (SAI). The literature was rigorously searched from July 2018 to February 2021 and relevant studies were selected and evaluated following the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments guidelines. A total of 23 studies were included, in which 19 instruments were identified. Due to the quality of the studies, only preliminary conclusions could be drawn. Seven instruments were graded “A” and recommended for use based on the available psychometric evidence. The remaining 12 SAI instruments were graded “B” and more research is required before they can be recommended. Based on this review, seven different types of the SAI could be considered for use. To improve the quality of evidence, the SAI requires more rigorous research and precise reports. When using the SAI, it is important to consider cultural characteristics.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Persian Version of the Successful Aging Inventory.

Background: The first step to successful aging planning is to assess the current status using valid instruments. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Successful Aging Inventory (SAI). Materials and Methods: In the first step, SAI. was translated through forward-backward translation, and its face and content validity were qualitatively and quantitatively assessed. For construct validity assessment, 300 elderly were recruited through multi-stage random sampling. Exploratory factor analysis and known-group comparison were used. SAI reliability through internal consistency and stability was assessed using the Cronbach’s alpha values of the inventory and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. The standard error of measurement, smallest detectable change, and floor and ceiling effects were calculated. Results: The impact scores, content validity ratios, and content validity indices of all items were more than 1.5, 0.62, and 0.8, respectively. The scale-level content validity index was 0.94. Factor analysis identified four factors for the inventory, which explained 58.17% of the total variance of the SAI score. SAI mean score among mentally healthy participants was significantly higher (P<0.001). The relative frequencies with the lowest and highest possible scores of SAI were 0 and 3.7%, respectively. The Cronbach’s alpha, ICC, standard error of measurement, and the smallest detectable change of SAI were 0.835, 0.999, ±0.47, and 1.9, respectively. Conclusion: As a valid and reliable instrument, the Persian version of SAI could be used for a successful aging assessment.

Psychometric evaluation of the Persian version of the Successful Aging Inventory

Background: The first step to successful aging planning is to assess the current status using valid instruments. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Successful Aging Inventory (SAI). Materials and Methods: In the first step, SAI. was translated through forward-backward translation, and its face and content validity were qualitatively and quantitatively assessed. For construct validity assessment, 300 elderly were recruited through multi-stage random sampling. Exploratory factor analysis and known-group comparison were used. SAI reliability through internal consistency and stability was assessed using the Cronbach’s alpha values of the inventory and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. The standard error of measurement, smallest detectable change, and floor and ceiling effects were calculated. Results: The impact scores, content validity ratios, and content validity indices of all items were more than 1.5, 0.62, and 0.8, respectively. The scale-level content validity index was 0.94. Factor analysis identified four factors for the inventory, which explained 58.17% of the total variance of the SAI score. SAI mean score among mentally healthy participants was significantly higher (P&lt;0.001). The relative frequencies with the lowest and highest possible scores of SAI were 0 and 3.7%, respectively. The Cronbach’s alpha, ICC, standard error of measurement, and the smallest detectable change of SAI were 0.835, 0.999, ±0.47, and 1.9, respectively. Conclusion: As a valid and reliable instrument, the Persian version of SAI could be used for a successful aging assessment. [GMJ.2020;9:e1754]

Compromised Vision Impairs Successful Aging Among Assisted Living Residents

Community dwelling independent older adults’ successful aging is known to be hampered by sensory and cognitive impairments. However, little is known about to what degree these impairments affect successful aging among assisted living (AL) residents. The purpose of this quantitative study, conducted in three (AL) facilities, was to describe factors affecting successful aging. A total of 88 older adults (M=89.0, SD=7.54), mostly women (n=68), completed hearing (CALFRAST-Strong procedure at 75cm, 35cm, and 2cm), vision (Jaeger reading [proximate], Snellen Acuity [visual acuity]), and cognitive screening (MiniCog, Borson et al), as well as the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) and Successful Aging Inventory (SAI, Troutman et al, 2011). Most (68%) demonstrated hearing loss >25DB, with a significant difference demonstrated between age groups (age 65-89; n=38) (90-100; n=49) with the older group demonstrating worse hearing (F(1,80)=5.9, p=.017). Some vision compromise was noted for both reading (14.3%) and visual acuity (10.8%). Over one third of participants (34.1%) demonstrated compromised cognition. The SAI results indicated most participants were managing IADLs well (M=6.11, SD=1.42) and aging successfully (M=63.39, SD=9.04). Hearing, cognition and IADLs were not significantly related to successful aging. However, when compared to those without vision issues, participants with compromised vision, both reading and visual acuity, scored significantly lower on the SAI (reading F(1,75)= 24.9,p=.000; visual acuity F(1,28)=4.31, p=000). The infrastructure provided by AL settings may compensate for hearing, cognition, and IADL problems, but not as well for vision problems. Interventions supporting AL residents’ vision should be a priority to improve successful aging.

Meaning of Aging, Gerotranscendence, and Successful Aging in Older Adults With Chronic Health Conditions

Aging presents change in the form of opportunities and challenges, from common physical alterations, to major life events. Perception of such events is greatly shaped by one’s mental health, and is a major influence on gerotranscendence, a positive kind of aging involving redefinition of self, relationships, and proposed to be a precursor to successful aging. A mixed-methods cross-sectional descriptive design was used to study 50 older adults. Life Events Checklist, Gerotranscendence Scale, Herth Hope Index, and Successful Aging Inventory were administered. Mean participant age was 70.78 years; there were 9 males (18%), 41 females (82%), 13 were Black (26%), and 37 were White (74%). Participants reported a number of stressful events, most frequently transportation accidents, followed by other very stressful events or experiences, and sudden unexpected death of someone close. Gerotranscendence scores ranged from 0-10 (µ 6.88, a moderate score). Successful aging scores ranged from 40-79 (µ 62.33, a moderate score). A sub-sample of 6 participants engaged in semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed verbatim and subject to content analysis. Faith, displaced longing, temporal anticipation, proactive problem-solving/coping, and concern for future generations were emergent qualitative themes. Findings highlight opportunities for providers from multiple disciplines to target risks and possibilities for aging successfully and to promote hope, optimism, problem-solving skills, and gerotranscendence in all older adults, regardless of physical or functional health status.

Successful aging and environmental factors in older individuals in urban and rural areas: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe effects of the environmental factors on successful aging (SA) are not well understood. This study aimed to assess SA and related factors in older individuals in urban and rural areas, exploring differences between groups and investigating the effects of environmental factors. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of 205 and 212 older people in urban and rural areas of Shandong Province, respectively, between March 2019 and September 2019. SA was measured using the Successful Aging Inventory (SAI). The environmental factors were assessed using the WHOQOL-100 scale. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine associations of different parameters with SA. ResultsThe scores of SA and environmental factors of older individuals in urban vs. rural areas were 48.79 vs. 46.14 and 128.63 vs. 107.81, respectively (both P < 0.05). All “Environment” dimensions (“Safety and physical security”, “Home environment”, “Financial resources”, “Health and social care”, “Opportunities for acquiring new information and skills”, “Participation and opportunities for leisure”, and “Transport”), except “Physical environment (pollution/noise/traffic/climate)”, were associated with SA (all P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression showed that psychological resilience, physical activity, self-evaluation of SA, environment, social support, and hearing status were shared factors by the urban and rural older individuals. ConclusionThe SA and environmental factor scores were higher in urban older individuals compared with rural ones. Environment dimensions (except “Physical environment (pollution/noise/traffic/climate)”) were associated with SA.

Item response analysis to explore psychometric properties of the Persian version of Troutman successful aging inventory: Rasch partial credit model.

The study aimed to evaluate Persian version of the TSAI-2011 to determine successful aging issues in older adults. In a psychometric study, the instrument was completed by 400 men and women aged 60 and above and the Rasch partial credit model was used. The PCM indicated that items 1 and 20 were misfitting. Also, it successive response categories for all items were located in the expected order and version of TSAI with 22-items had more internal consistency. Although Rasch analysis indicated to relevant of TSAI 22-Items, it should be evaluated in further studies and divergent cultures.

Cognitive reserve and depression predict subjective reports of successful aging

BackgroundWith graying of western societies, successful aging is a hotly debated topic. Attaining successful aging brings benefits not only at the individual level, but also to society. To better understand successful aging, we conducted a study of older adults in the Republic of Slovenia. MethodsWe recruited 213 community-dwelling adults, age 65 years and older, who responded to the Successful Aging Inventory (SAI), Purpose of Life Questionnaire (PIL), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Cognitive Reserve Index, Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ), and Multiple Abilities Self-Report Questionnaire (MASQ). ResultsResponses to all scales were significantly correlated, which was taken into account when identifying covariates of latent successful aging in a structural equation model. Successful aging, as evaluated by the combination questionnaire responses, was most strongly associated with depression and marginally associated with cognitive reserve. Self-rated functional and cognitive capacities did not significantly explain individual differences in successful aging. DiscussionIn our study of community-dwelling, older Slovenes, self-rated depression emerged as a strong correlate of successful aging and, to a lesser degree, cognitive reserve. Future studies of interventions that aim to promote successful aging should consider the role of depression and cognitive reserve in the older adult’s experience of aging.

Cross-cultural adjustment of successful aging scale and its reliability and validity in urban elderly

Objective To revised the Taiwan version successful aging inventory (SAI), and verify its reliability and validity in urban elderly in mainland China. Methods SAI was adjusted by culture and revised by pre-test to form a formal questionnaire. A sample of 600 elderly people in Guangzhou was chosen for a face-to-face questionnaire survey through convenient sampling. Half of the sample (n=300) was randomly selected for exploratory factor analysis, and the other was used to confirm the structural validity of SAI. Results Exploratory factor analysis extracted six common factors, including health autonomy, economic security, life adaptation, society and relative relationship, study and family. The cumulative contribution rate of six common factors was 65.366%. The fitting indexes of confirmatory factor analysis were χ2/df=1.861, CFI=0.930, IFI=0.930, TLI=0.923, GFI=0.823, RMSEA=0.054, RMR=0.073. There were significant ceiling effects in the four dimensions of health autonomy, economic security, life adaptation, and family. The internal consistency coefficient (Cronbach's α) of SAI was 0.930, and the test-retest reliability was 0.943. An average score of SAI ≥ 3.95 points was considered successful aging. Conclusion Reliability and validity of SAI are good, which can be used to measure the successful aging status of Chinese elders and track the effectiveness of health promotion measures. Key words: Successful aging; The elderly; Reliability; Validity

Predicting Factors of Successful Aging among Community Dwelling Older Adults in Thimphu, Bhutan

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study aimed to study predicting factors between perceived self-efficacy, social support, educational level, perceived health status, life satisfaction, and successful aging among community dwelling older adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive, correlational predictive design was used to collect data at Thimphu, Bhutan during April to May, 2018. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 90 older adults from four villages. Structured questionnaire was used to gather data on 8 explanatory and 5 outcome variables. Instruments were the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Perceived Health Status scale, the Life Satisfaction Index for the Third Age-Short Form and the Successful Aging Inventory. Descriptive statistics and standard multiple regression analysis were used to describe the sample and examine the predicting factors. RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis showed perceived self-efficacy, social support, educational level and life satisfaction significantly predicted successful aging, accounting for 58% of the variance (R2 = 0.58, F5,84 = 22.89, p < 0.001). Standardized beta coefficient was obtained for perceived self-efficacy (β = 0.38, p = < 0.001), social support (β = 0.31, p = < 0.001), life satisfaction (β = 0.25, p = < 0.001) and educational level (β = 0.23, p = < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that perceived self-efficacy, social support, educational level and life satisfaction can predict successful aging among community dwelling older adults in Thimphu, Bhutan. Therefore, implementing intervention programs upon the significant predicting factors to enhance successful aging of community dwelling older adults is recommended. Keywords:Psuccessful aging, older adults, Bhutan DOI: 10.31524/bkkmedj.2019.02.007

Factors Contributing to Active Aging in Older Adults, from the Framework of Roy's Adaptation Model.

To determine the variables contributing to the explanation of active aging according to Roy's adaptation model. Descriptive correlational study, with convenience and snowball sampling. Two hundred older adults with chronic disease, were included. The instruments used were: a) Yesavage's Geriatric depression scale, b) Pheiffer's mental state questionnaire, c) basic activities of daily living, d) instrumental activities of daily living, e) Hope scale, f) coping mechanism items from the Successful Aging Inventory (coping with aging), g) hours of volunteer work, and h) The Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire. Coping with aging was composed of independence in basic and instrumental activities of daily living, free from symptoms of depression, good mental state, and perception of health as good. Data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics, and simple and multiple linear regression models. Fifty one percent of the participants showed active aging (42% men, and 56% women). Of the proposed variables, the variables showing effect on the variables of active aging, in the generalized linear model, were years of suffering the disease (Λ=0.922; p=0.008), coping with aging (Λ=0.582; p=0.001), and perceived social support (Λ=0.885; p=0.001). These three variables explained 5% of basic activities of daily living, 41% of the instrumental activities, 12.5% of health perception, 26% of mental state, and 21% of depression. Hope, and volunteer work were not significant. When the variables of active aging were dichotomized, age showed negative effect on global active aging and coping with aging positive effect. Although, proposed variables explained individually active aging, only coping with aging explained global active aging.

Influence of emotional regulation on successful aging among Thai older adults

Purpose Successful aging represents a positive development in older adults. The emphasis on aging well has sought to understand resources such as emotional regulation that facilitates healthy and happy aging. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of two common emotional regulation strategies (i.e. cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) on successful aging among Thai older adults. Design/methodology/approach The participants selected for this paper were 150 older adults living in Bangkok and adjacent areas. Their mean age was 69.7 (±6.7) years old. Instruments were the Successful Aging Inventory and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Each participant voluntarily completed an individual self -reported questionnaire. Findings The results revealed that the two emotional regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) have collectively explained 6 percent of the variance of successful aging. The cognitive reappraisal strategy was a sole significant predictor (β=0.20). Originality/value Promoting emotional regulation strategies in particular a cognitive reappraisal strategy among Thai older adults can facilitate their cognitive functioning, and their successful aging.

Motives to practice exercise in old age and successful aging: A latent class analysis

PurposeThe aim was to classify motives for exercising trying to find sets of related cases that share common motivations, and to relate these latent classes to markers of successful aging. Methods725 old adult aged 55 to 97 years were sampled in several Spanish towns. Instruments: Successful Aging Inventory (SAI), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Health Survey SF-8, Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and motives to practice exercise, were used. Latent Class Analyses (LCAs) were estimated. The classes obtained were compared on markers of successful aging. ResultsThree latent classes were deemed optimal. Significant differences for several markers of successful aging were found. ConclusionA main conclusion derived from the results is that not all old people do exercise for the same motives, and the class of motives you are in had an impact/relation on markers of successful aging. Motives related to internal rather than external pressures should be promoted in the old age.

Successful Aging: Illness and Social Connections.

The objective of this study was to examine the role of social determinants of health: gender, income, education, housing, and social connections in successful aging in older adults aging with illness. Participants were 50 adults aged 65–90 years, all aging in place in their own home, and reporting at least one illness. This pilot study used non-probability sampling and employed both online and in-person interviews. The majority (82%) were aging “successfully” or “somewhat successfully” as reported on the single item successful aging scale and demonstrated by their scores on the Successful Aging Inventory (SAI). Correlations were not significant between SAI and gender, income, education, or housing. A significant negative correlation was found between SAI and community activity. However, there were significant positive correlations between SAI and religious activity and relationships. The regression model was a linear combination of participants’ community and religious activity and relationships. The majority of older adults aging with illness consider themselves to be aging successfully, but their scores are influenced by relationships with others as well as religious and community activity. Frequent community activity had a suppressor effect on successful aging.