Aspects of Successful Ageing - Essay Example

Running Headers: Successful Ageing Name: Course: Institution: Instructor: Date: Abstract Since the 1960s or possibly even before, gerontologists have been concerned with developing conceptual frameworks to describe the ideal outcomes of the aging process. One of the most popular terms used to portray a good old age is successful aging. Contrary to the ageist stereotypes, and the expectation of decline and loss, late life can be a positive period in an individual’s lifespan, in which developmental goals and outcomes continue to thrive and generate growth. The concept of successful ageing is central to gerontology. This essay will give a consideration to some of the proposed definitions of successful ageing and evaluate them, and finally come up with a criterion that can be applied in defining successful ageing considering some of the psychological theories in this subject. Introduction The number of elderly persons globally is increasing and thus, more attention is being given to the geriatric health care needs. Successful ageing is becoming an increasingly popular topic in the professional and the lay literature. However, considerable controversy has risen over its definition and what criteria should be used to define successful ageing. The concept of successful ageing itself is a rich one and its early entry into the field of social gerontology as found in gerontological literature, is said to be over thirty years ago (Phelan, & Larson, 2002). The term is interesting because it means that ageing can, for the most part, be a rewarding and positive experience. Certainly, there is an array of perspectives identified with this notion. At this point, it is significant to note that successful ageing is often associated with middle age or mid course of life, such that, successful ageing is identified as the continuance of interests, activities and involvements that have been build up in that part of a person’s life. Some gerontologists have presented an opposite view, considering older people as gradually disengaging from life. However, there is no single well accepted definition or model of successful ageing that has stood the test of time (Lupien, & Wan, 2004). We shall consider some of the proposed definitions and models put forward to describe the concept of successful ageing. Proposed definitions of Successful ageing There is no agreement regarding the optimal definition of successful ageing and the criteria to be adopted and used, in defining this concept. Researchers in gerontology, medicine, philosophy and psychology have explored in to the notion of successful ageing according to their understanding of this concept. However, their definitions have been considered inadequate since they do not account for the multidimensionality of the ageing individual. It is considered that apart from just change of physical body and abilities, the mind and spirit also transform with the progression of time, thus making the whole concept complex. Successful aging takes many individual forms. Rowe and Kahn, (1998) in their book, Successful Ageing, characterize successful ageing as having the capacity to maintain three key features or behaviours; high physical and mental function, active engagement with life and low possibility of getting diseases or disease related disabilities. Though this definition is considered helpful since it is broad enough to provide room for important individual disparity, other researchers consider it to be non-comprehensive leaving out factors such as money and spirituality, which many people consider instrumental to successful ageing. For instance, the World Health Organization, the National Institute of Aging and the White House Conference of Aging have stressed that successful aging goes beyond prevention of disability and diseases (Active Ageing a Policy Framework, 2003, White House Commission on Aging, 1996, Action Plan for Aging Research, 2001). They argue that this concept should embrace a wider social perspective. Other studies show that healthy interpersonal relationships, personality relationships such as self-efficacy, and good health are essential predictors of progressing functional independence and characteristics of successful ageing. Yet, further concurrence on what factors make up successful ageing is astoundingly limited (Lupien J and Wan N, 2004). The popular model, advanced by Rowe and Kahn and applied in the Mac Arthur Research Network about successful ageing, describes successful ageing as entailing high cognitive, social and physical functioning along with freedom from disability (Rowe J. and Kahn L, 1997). Other suggested ways of defining successful ageing incorporate the degree to which the elderly individuals adapt to age associated changes, see themselves as successfully ageing, or avoid death until the latest point of death. There has been a considerable debate as to what components are vital for the definition of successful ageing and which are overly restrictive or ageist. Furthermore, there is no agreement concerning whether successful ageing should be defined by older adults themselves or by others (Phelan A. and Larson E. 2002). Models of successful ageing Biomedical model Biomedical theories define successful ageing in terms of the maximization of life expectancy while reducing mental and physical disability and deterioration. These theories focus on good health, absence of risk factor for disease and chronic diseases and high levels of independent cognitive functioning, mobility, performance, and physical functioning. The most popular and widely published biomedical studies of successful ageing include the Mac Arthur studies of successful ageing. However, the division of people into normal and diseased fails to recognize the large heterogeneity within these groups. As a result Rowe and Kahn came up with a model that distinguished successful ageing from the usual ageing, which was characterized by normal decline in social, cognitive and physical functioning with age and accelerated by extrinsic factors. This is how they came up with the three components of successful ageing; absence of diseases and disabilities, active engagement with life, and maintenance of cognitive and physical functioning. However, this model has been considered traditional since it fails to address the allegations of the fact that a disease-free older age is impractical for many people (Ryff, 1989). Psychosocial model The biomedical model emphasizes that the maintenance of mental and physical functioning and lack of diseases are the keys to successful ageing. The psychosocial model on the other hand, maintains that social functioning and participation, life satisfaction and psychological resources such as personal growth describe successful ageing (Palmore, E. 1995). Satisfaction with one’s present and past life has been the most frequently proposed and investigated definition of successful ageing. Its components include self concept, overall wellbeing, relationship between achieved and desired goals, mood, morale, happiness, fortitude and resolution and zest. Another proposed domain of successful ageing is continued social functioning, which encompasses high levels of capability in positive interactions, reciprocal participation in society, social role functioning and social integration. Suggested psychological resources for successful ageing consist of autonomy and independence, self efficacy, effective adaptive and coping strategies in the world of changing circumstances and a positive outlook and self-worth (Lemon, B et al. 1972). This model gives an illustration that if for example, some activities are shortened for reasons such as ill health, there is need to activate strategies in order to maximize one’s reserves and find new activities. The model describes successful ageing as a dynamic process and the outcome of one’s past experiences, which has the capacity to learn and grow through past experiences to cope with the current state of affairs while maintaining a reasonable sense of self. Lay views A few investigations have been conducted into older people’s views of what successful ageing means. Most of the definitions encompass physical, psychological, mental, and social health, financial security, productivity, accomplishments, life satisfaction, physical appearance, spirituality, sense of humour, functioning and resources, contribution to life and having a sense of purpose (Knight T, and Ricciardelli A. 2003). Others said that successful ageing involves being with friends and watching and listening to music from the radio (Guyatt, G. and Cook, D. 1994). Theoretical rationale Disengagement theory The aging process of a human life may run into various distinct events that could impact and influence an individual’s perception of whether he is aging successfully. The disengagement theory stipulates that an individual will slowly depart from society in preparation for death (Cumming and Henry, 1961). While the rate of social activity would be anticipated to decline as the individual grows old, the disengagement theory puts forward that individuals voluntarily pull out from social relationships and roles. Furthermore, the society expects that older people will pull out from their roles to allow the younger generation to put life where the older people may have once succeeded. It is true that the aging process is inevitable and is expected to lead one to death. However, an individual may delay the disengagement process up to the time his psychological and physical performance is greatly minimized. Activity theory The activity theory was developed by Havighurst in 1961. It proposes that the quality of an individual’s life can be improved when the individual remains actively engaged in social relationships and roles throughout midlife stages up to late adulthood and old age. It highlights that the ability to remain active does not appear suddenly in old life but starts from early stages of life. Indeed, activity in the mid-life implies that the behaviour continues throughout one’s life line. It is important to note that activity does not only encompass physiological mechanical exercises and movements, but also one’s social connectivity to another, whether friends, family or career. Criteria for defining successful ageing Considering the above discussion, it is necessary to note that a concrete definition of the concept of successful ageing has not been achieved yet. The analysis of psychosocial and biological models of successful ageing discloses that the exceptional markers of successful ageing often display weaknesses since they cannot explain or predict other aspects of the ageing process. Thus, it is important to note that when defining successful ageing, it should be considered as a condition that can be objectively measured at a certain time. A specific time bracket should be agreed on to specify what age to be used to define old people. From this we can postulate what factors can determine successful ageing since you cannot expect a ninety nine old person, to be free from disease or disability. Another factor that should be considered is the fact that successful ageing is positive extreme of what is considered normal or usual ageing. In most cases, old age is associated with certain characteristics such as chronic diseases, disabilities, impaired functioning, isolation and reduced activity thus, when defining successful ageing; such factors should be used as parameters of successful ageing. An individual considered to have successfully aged should have absolutely no or less of these characteristics. When defining successful ageing, it is also necessary to note that this process is continuous and therefore it is expected that if lack of diseases is used as one of the parameters that determines successful ageing, then it should detail how long an individual if free from diseases, since there are various kinds of diseases that are associated with old age and cannot be avoided. The criteria should also encompass financial security since an individual maybe considered active and free from diseases but due to lack of finances, the person may grow feeble and die. Constituents of successful ageing A critical evaluation of the above theoretical definitions reveals that successful ageing is characterized by life satisfaction and wellbeing, including contentment and happiness; psychological health, mental and cognitive functioning; life expectancy; independent and physical health functioning; social networks, participation, activity and support; personal growth and learning new things; psychological characteristics and resources such as self-efficacy, positive outlook, adaptability, sense of self and autonomy; and social community and leisure activities integration and participation. Additional scholar definitions also reveal that successful ageing is comprised of financial security, sense of purpose, spirituality, accomplishments, physical appearance, neighbourhood and productivity. However, it is evident from these constituents, as identified by different scholars, that successful ageing is associate with positive features compared to what is considered as usual ageing. It means that this is a valuable stage of life. Therefore, an optimal definition of successful ageing should encompass the above constituents. Responsibility of ensuring successful ageing It is quite evident from the above study that most of the constituents of successful ageing concern how a person conducts himself in the midlife age. For instance, talking of being productive in the old age or even being active, these are factors that largely depend on how one carries himself during the middle phases of life. You cannot expect an individual to be disengaged during his early life and afterwards turn out to be active at old age. Therefore, in my opinion, the responsibility of ensuring successful ageing largely depends on one self and how he interacts with his environment. However, other factors constitute how the individual relates with his community and family so as to get their support during old age, as support is considered as one of the determinants of successful ageing. Conclusion The achievement of an optimal definition of the concept of successful ageing is quite unrealistic due o the multidimensionality of the concept. Different authors have come up with definitions, but each describes successful aging with regard to their specific fields of study. Prevention of diseases, physical and cognitive functioning and active engagement with life are considered paramount for successful ageing. Apart from these three constituents, other factors identified include social functioning, support from friends and relatives and life expectancy. Yet, there is still dispute to what successful ageing entails. However, what is important to consider is the fact that this concept should be placed on a continuum of accomplishment, rather than placing it to normative assessments of success or failure so as to come to an agreeable definition. Reference: Active Ageing a Policy Framework. 2003. Geneva,World Health Organization. Action Plan for Aging Research. 2001. Aging NIo U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Cumming, E., and Henry, W.1961. The Process of Disengagement, Basic Books Guyatt, G. H., & Cook, D. J. (1994). Health status, quality of life and the individual. Journal of the American Medical Association. 272(8), 630-631. Havighurst, R. J. (1961). Successful aging. The Gerontologist. 1(1), 8-13. Knight T, Ricciardelli LA. 2003. Successful aging: perceptions of adults aged between 70 and 101 years. Int J Aging Hum Dev .56:223–245. Lemon, B. W., Bengtson, V. L., & Petersen, J. A. (1972). An exploration of the activity theory of aging: Activity types and life expectation among in-movers to a retirement community. Journal of Gerontology, 27(4): 511-23. Lupien SJ, Wan N. 2004. Successful ageing: from cell to self. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci; 359:1413–1426 Palmore, E. B. (1995). Successful aging. Pages 914-915 in Maddox, G. L. (Ed.). Encyclopedia of aging: a comprehensive resource in gerontology and geriatrics: 2nd edition. New York: Springer. Phelan EA, Larson EB. 2002. "Successful aging'—where next? J Am Geriatr Soc; 50:1306–1308 Rowe, J. W. & Kahn, R. L. 1987 Human aging: usual and successful aging. Science 237, 143–149. Rowe, J. W. & Kahn, R. L. 1998. Successful aging. New York: Pantheon Books. Ryff, C. D. (1989). Successful aging: A developmental approach. The Gerontologist. 22(2), 209-214. White House Commission on Aging. 1996. The Road to an Aging Policy for the 21st Century. Services UDoHaH, 1996 Read More

Successful aging takes many individual forms. Rowe and Kahn, (1998) in their book, Successful Ageing, characterize successful ageing as having the capacity to maintain three key features or behaviours; high physical and mental function, active engagement with life and low possibility of getting diseases or disease related disabilities. Though this definition is considered helpful since it is broad enough to provide room for important individual disparity, other researchers consider it to be non-comprehensive leaving out factors such as money and spirituality, which many people consider instrumental to successful ageing.

For instance, the World Health Organization, the National Institute of Aging and the White House Conference of Aging have stressed that successful aging goes beyond prevention of disability and diseases (Active Ageing a Policy Framework, 2003, White House Commission on Aging, 1996, Action Plan for Aging Research, 2001). They argue that this concept should embrace a wider social perspective. Other studies show that healthy interpersonal relationships, personality relationships such as self-efficacy, and good health are essential predictors of progressing functional independence and characteristics of successful ageing.

Yet, further concurrence on what factors make up successful ageing is astoundingly limited (Lupien J and Wan N, 2004). The popular model, advanced by Rowe and Kahn and applied in the Mac Arthur Research Network about successful ageing, describes successful ageing as entailing high cognitive, social and physical functioning along with freedom from disability (Rowe J. and Kahn L, 1997). Other suggested ways of defining successful ageing incorporate the degree to which the elderly individuals adapt to age associated changes, see themselves as successfully ageing, or avoid death until the latest point of death.

There has been a considerable debate as to what components are vital for the definition of successful ageing and which are overly restrictive or ageist. Furthermore, there is no agreement concerning whether successful ageing should be defined by older adults themselves or by others (Phelan A. and Larson E. 2002). Models of successful ageing Biomedical model Biomedical theories define successful ageing in terms of the maximization of life expectancy while reducing mental and physical disability and deterioration.

These theories focus on good health, absence of risk factor for disease and chronic diseases and high levels of independent cognitive functioning, mobility, performance, and physical functioning. The most popular and widely published biomedical studies of successful ageing include the Mac Arthur studies of successful ageing. However, the division of people into normal and diseased fails to recognize the large heterogeneity within these groups. As a result Rowe and Kahn came up with a model that distinguished successful ageing from the usual ageing, which was characterized by normal decline in social, cognitive and physical functioning with age and accelerated by extrinsic factors.

This is how they came up with the three components of successful ageing; absence of diseases and disabilities, active engagement with life, and maintenance of cognitive and physical functioning. However, this model has been considered traditional since it fails to address the allegations of the fact that a disease-free older age is impractical for many people (Ryff, 1989). Psychosocial model The biomedical model emphasizes that the maintenance of mental and physical functioning and lack of diseases are the keys to successful ageing.

The psychosocial model on the other hand, maintains that social functioning and participation, life satisfaction and psychological resources such as personal growth describe successful ageing (Palmore, E. 1995). Satisfaction with one’s present and past life has been the most frequently proposed and investigated definition of successful ageing. Its components include self concept, overall wellbeing, relationship between achieved and desired goals, mood, morale, happiness, fortitude and resolution and zest.

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