Fostering Well-Being in the Elderly: Translating Theories on Positive Aging to Practical Approaches

Abstract

This article overviews positive aging concepts and strategies to enhance well-being in the elderly and then presents a translation of theories on positive aging to practical approaches for Positive Aging. Drawing upon positive psychology and positive aging research and tools, this program is designed to help older adults improve their well-being by acquiring skills and strategies to cope with present and future challenges. The Mental Fitness Program for Positive Aging (MFPPA) can enhance seniors' quality of life by increasing their vital involvement and active engagement in life. This model is most appropriate for community dwelling individuals. It can easily be conducted in wide range of adult education programs in community centers, sheltered homes, and primary care clinics. It can also be conducted through online psychoeducational training.

Mediterranean Diet In Healthy Aging

“…Indeed, according to the Global Health and Aging report, subjects aged 60 or older are expected to quadruple in just 4 decades, growing from an estimated 524 million in 2010 to nearly 2.1 billion in 2050, most of which living in developing countries ( 2 ). However, the increase in the longevity of the elderly does not imply an increase in their quality of life; that constitutes a challenge to health professionals to help the growing older population not only to live longer but also healthier, better and happier ( 3 ). The current life expectancy has increased, but low-grade inflammation reduces the health expectation.…”

Aging and Positive Psychology

“…That is, rather than focusing on the older person's weaknesses or future anticipated weaknesses, for example, frailty, depression, anxiety, or fears, activating their strengths and reserve capacities [3] spheres of well-being [73]. Indeed, altering an older adult's health beliefs and stance from a maladaptive reactive one in the face of their aging challenges, to a more strengths and asset based adaptive stance, may markedly help them to counter any aging related fears, anxieties, and negative beliefs.…”

“…While other modes of intervention such as cognitive behavioral therapy or group therapy, or community based education may be helpful in this respect [3], it is possible that some cases of severe chronic mood conditions need to be overcome first by more direct interventions such as those produced by a change or modification of the individual's thought processes at the outset. In other cases, travel, service, and mobility restrictions should not impede the application of efforts to foster optimally successful aging.…”

A Narrative Review of Peer-Led Positive Psychology Interventions: Current Evidence, Potential, and Future Directions

“…Ageing can lead to functional and cognitive impairments that may make older adults more prone to depression and anxiety, poor life satisfaction, and languishing [78]. "Successful ageing", a term originally coined by Carol Ryff three decades ago [79], includes several constructs that are closely related to measures of positive psychology, including self-acceptance, positive relations with others, autonomy, environmental mastery, life purpose, and personal growth [80]. Therefore, PPIs may be a useful tool in this segment of the population.…”