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A review of successful aging models: proposing proactive coping as an important additional strategy
Carolijn Ouwehand1, Denise T D de Ridder, Jozien M Bensing
1Department of Health Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. c.ouwehand@fss.uu.nl
Clinical Psychology Review
|March 3, 2007
Summary
Successful aging research now focuses on processes. Proactive coping, not just reacting to losses, is key for maintaining resources and delaying goal disengagement, enhancing successful aging.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Successful aging is a significant research area.
- Research focus shifted from criteria to processes over 15 years.
- Psychological models are central to understanding successful aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review psychological models of successful aging.
- Evaluate the Selective Optimization with Compensation (SOC-model).
- Propose proactive coping as a complementary strategy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of psychological models.
- Analysis of the SOC-model's focus on reactive coping.
- Theoretical proposal of proactive coping benefits.
Main Results:
- The SOC-model is a leading framework for successful aging.
- The SOC-model primarily addresses adaptation to losses.
- Proactive coping may enhance successful aging by preventing threats.
Conclusions:
- Proactive coping is a valuable strategy for successful aging.
- It prolongs resource availability for optimization and compensation.
- It delays disengagement from important life goals.
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