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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
06:58
Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
Older adults' perspectives on successful aging: qualitative interviews
Jennifer Reichstadt1, Geetika Sengupta, Colin A Depp
1University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA.
Summary
Older adults define successful aging as balancing self-acceptance with life engagement and self-growth. Interventions should support social connection and coping strategies for well-being.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Understanding successful aging is crucial for supporting older adults.
- Lay perceptions inform the development of effective aging interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore older adults' individual perspectives on successful aging.
- To identify activities and interventions that promote successful aging.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interviews conducted with 22 community-dwelling adults aged 60+.
- Grounded theory framework ('Coding Consensus, Co-occurrence, and Comparison') used for analysis.
- Participants recruited from diverse senior settings in San Diego County.
Main Results:
- Two key themes emerged: self-acceptance/contentment and engagement with life/self-growth.
- A balance between these themes was identified as critical for successful aging.
- Participants emphasized the need for support systems and tailored information for decision-making and coping.
Conclusions:
- Successful aging involves balancing self-acceptance with life engagement and self-growth.
- Wisdom is considered a significant contributor to successful aging.
- Interventions should foster social engagement, productivity, and coping skills.
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