What is Successful Aging
Successful Aging
Sometimes, we observe an individual who, through their actions and choices, embodies what we subjectively define as successful aging. This individual may defy our expectations of what is possible at their chronological age, demonstrating a level of physical activity or a youthful appearance that challenges stereotypes. They may also exude a sense of health, playfulness, and genuine happiness. Successful aging, while complex and individual, is a universally desired outcome that we have the power to shape.
Let's conceptualize successful aging as adapting to any age-related loss to achieve successful (again, subjective) well-being and independence. Successful aging theories, a collaborative effort of many researchers, traditionally have two approaches: life-course and lifespan perspectives on aging. Life-course theories consider an individual's accumulation of advantages and disadvantages on a macro level experienced throughout their life. Here, experiences from an individual's groups, organizations, events, and places affect health outcomes. Lifespan theories are less concerned with external events but turn to the internal and biological processes within a given individual. Lifespan theories consider an individual's plasticity and ability to adapt to losses and gains. Though the two approaches are often considered separately, life-course events, such as privileges associated with socioeconomic advantages, could influence one's ability to adapt. Here, we will focus on two lifespan models.
The MacArthur model was developed by a group of scientists from several disciplines who researched the positive aspects of aging. They believed that "successful aging" results from several factors that cause or contribute to an individual functioning efficiently in old age. The researchers postulated that successful aging is the sum of experiencing high mental and physical function, active engagement with life, and a low risk of disease and disease-related disability. They believed in the mind-body connection; if an individual participates in a regular exercise routine, they will have positive physical and cognitive outcomes. They also believed that active engagement in life resulted from sustained relationships and connections with others and participation in meaningful activities.
Recent research has shed new light on successful aging, challenging traditional theories that focus solely on physical and cognitive health. Researchers Dumitrache et al. (2019) discovered that older adults can adapt their behaviors and achieve their version of "successful aging" even with physical and cognitive limitations. They found that older adults with psychological and social resources are satisfied with their lives despite health and functional impairments. The contributing resources, such as extraversion, optimism, social support, or social networks, pave the way for successful aging.
Another significant approach that supports Dumitrache et al.'s research is the selection, optimization, and compensation (SOC) model, which I discuss in one of my Instagram videos. SOC is not just a theoretical concept but a comprehensive lifespan model of adult psychological development that provides a practical framework for understanding age-related developmental change, adapting to changes, and creating positive outcomes throughout an individual's lifespan. SOC focuses on selecting and prioritizing goals, optimizing resources, and compensating for any losses or declines in resources. SOC is an adaptive evaluation and integration process, substituting activities and support when maintenance is compromised or no longer possible.
From all the research on successful aging I have studied, adapting to change, being flexible, and having an open and positive mindset, even when the change is unwelcome or unexpected, is essential to achieving successful aging.
Bengtson, V. L., Settersten, R. A., Kennedy, B. K., Morrow-Howell, N., & Smith, J. (2016). Handbook of Theories of Aging. Springer Publishing Company, LLC.
Rowe, J. W., & Kahn, R. L. (1999). Successful aging. Dell Pub.
Dumitrache, C. G., Rubio, L., & Cordón-Pozo, E. (2018). Successful aging in Spanish older adults: the role of psychosocial resources. International Psychogeriatrics, 31(2), 181–191. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1041610218000388
