Redefining the Successful Aging of Veterans: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background and Objectives The aging experiences of military veterans provide critical insights into what successful aging is and means for later life contexts constrained by distinct health and social needs. Can veterans ‘successfully’ age when they are exposed to so many stressors with serious health and social consequences for later life? Veterans can offer valuable lessons for developing comprehensive approaches to refining successful aging, ensuring inclusivity of different older populations. Building on Rowe and Kahn’s idea of successful aging, we utilize the complementary concept of ‘active aging’ to explore if there are unique factors, characteristics, and interventions that support active aging in veterans, compared to non-veteran populations. Research Design and Methods A rapid review and evidence synthesis was conducted across 9 databases in medicine, psychology, anthropology, sociology, and public health to search for peer-reviewed articles and research reports. Results Findings suggest that programs linking health and social dimensions can support the active aging of veterans, namely interventions promoting active physical and cognitive lifestyle as well as social connectedness and engagement. Such programs and interventions help prevent and combat mental and physical health decline and increase quality of life and well-being. Discussion and Implications Findings have implications for veteran and non-veteran populations more broadly, as people can actively age even when they have unique health and social needs.