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In their own words: a model of healthy aging
L L Bryant1, K K Corbett, J S Kutner
1Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver 80262, USA. lucinda.bryant@uchsc.edu
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|August 28, 2001
Summary
Older adults define healthy aging as engaging in meaningful activities, requiring purpose, balanced challenges, resources, and a positive attitude. This perspective shifts focus from medical deficits to individual goals.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Qualitative Health Research
- Sociology of Aging
Background:
- Traditional aging research often relies on clinical and functional metrics.
- A gap exists in understanding older adults' subjective experiences of health and aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore older adults' personal definitions of health and factors contributing to healthy aging.
- To develop a model of healthy aging based on participants' perspectives.
Main Methods:
- Grounded theory-type analysis of semi-structured interviews with 22 older adults.
- Focus on disparate cases to identify key discriminators of healthy aging.
- Inclusion of participants whose perceived health differed from predicted values.
Main Results:
- Healthy aging was defined as 'going and doing something meaningful'.
- Four essential components emerged: worthwhile activities, balanced challenges, adequate resources, and positive personal attitudes.
- A qualitative model of healthy aging was developed from participant narratives.
Conclusions:
- Reframing healthy aging in older adults' own terms is crucial.
- This participant-centered model supports interdisciplinary approaches beyond solely medical interventions.
- Emphasizes supporting older adults' desired goals and outcomes for well-being.
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