Successful aging: considering non-biomedical constructs

Abstract

ObjectivesSuccessful aging continues to be applied in a variety of contexts and is defined using a number of different constructs. Although previous reviews highlight the multidimensionality of successful aging, a few have focused exclusively on non-biomedical factors, as was done here.MethodsThis scoping review searched Ovid Medline database for peer-reviewed English-language articles published between 2006 and 2015, offering a model of successful aging and involving research with older adults.ResultsSeventy-two articles were reviewed. Thirty-five articles met the inclusion criteria. Common non-biomedical constructs associated with successful aging included engagement, optimism and/or positive attitude, resilience, spirituality and/or religiosity, self-efficacy and/or self-esteem, and gerotranscendence.DiscussionSuccessful aging is a complex process best described using a multidimensional model. Given that the majority of elders will experience illness and/or disease during the life course, public health initiatives that promote successful aging need to employ non-biomedical constructs, facilitating the inclusion of elders living with disease and/or disability.

Healthy aging through the lens of community-based practitioners: a focus group study

“…In addition to these aging services practitioners' perspectives being reflected in the research literature to date, there is also a close alignment between their views and those of older adult participants in studies of healthy aging. For example, Phelan and colleagues found that over 90% of older Japanese-Americans and Whites participating in longitudinal studies believe the following dimensions of successful aging were most important: remaining in good health until close to death, being able to take care of oneself until close to the time of death, and remaining free of chronic disease (25,26). Taken together, these perspectives from older adults bear close resemblance to those cited by the community practitioners who participated in this study.…”

C‐reactive protein and ageing

“…assessed factors related to ageing and identified four aspects that are associated with successful ageing: (i) avoiding disease and disability; (ii) maintaining cognitive, mental and physical functions; (iii) actively engaging in life; and (iv) being psychologically well . Currently, the definition of healthy ageing remains unsettled due to differences in diagnostic criteria or depending on the research focus …”

Validation of Nursing Outcomes and Interventions to Older Adults Care with Risk or Frail Elderly Syndrome: Proposal of Linkages Among NOC, NIC, and NANDA‐I to clinical practice

“…The elderly population worldwide is growing rapidly and this demographic shift presents opportunities and challenges for society and health professionals to maximize functional capacity in this group (Beard & Bloom, ; World Health Organization, ). Along this line, the nursing care for the elderly requires a multidimensional assessment that includes physiological (functional), psychological (spiritual), and social aspects to diagnose their real needs and risk factors in order to implement interventions appropriately in each case and to promote successful aging (Carver & Buchanan, ; Martinson & Berridge, ; Morilla‐Herrera et al., ).…”