Comparison of Experts and Older Adults’ Viewpoints on Successful Ageing

Abstract

Background and objectives: The aim of present study is comparing the lay (older adults) and experts' viewpoints about dimensions of successful ageing. Despite the Great literature body of successful ageing, there is not enough subjective approach in conceptualization and measurementof successful ageing based on older adults' viewpoints. Material and Methods:Firstly, sixty elders were interviewed in Tehran using the mixed methods' research. The interviews were analyzed with directed content analysis method. Then, the qualitative data were quantized with data transformation technique. Twelve experts were asked to rate categories and sub-categories which were extracted from the qualitative phase. Finally, viewpoints of two groups were comparedon successful ageing' dimensions. Results: The results of the qualitative interviews showed a successful ageing concept consisted of 16 sub-categories and six main categories including psychological well-being, social well-being, physical health, financial security, spirituality and transcendent, elder-friendly environmental, and social context. The results indicated differences between lay and expert's prioritizing of the dimensions of successful ageing. Experts rate "good physical health" and "life satisfaction" as the most important sub-categories. While the participants mentioned "individual positive characteristic" and "social support" as the two top priorities of the successful ageing sub-categories. Individual positive characteristicand religiosity among experts and absence of negative stereotypes of ageing and living in the elderfriendly environment among older adults were the least important sub-categories. Conclusion:According to the differences between academic and lay viewpoint on dimensions of successful ageing, it is necessary to include elderly viewpoints in the measurementand intervention programs of successful ageing.