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Transitioning From Successful Aging: A Life Course Approach
Teresa M Cooney1, Angela L Curl2
1University of Colorado Denver, USA.
Journal of Aging and Health
|December 20, 2017
Summary
Social and childhood factors significantly influence successful aging (SA) throughout life, challenging the idea that SA is solely modifiable by individual behaviors. These findings impact policy and intervention timing for healthy aging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- The Successful Aging (SA) model by Rowe and Kahn posits key factors influencing aging outcomes.
- Understanding the interplay of life course influences on SA is crucial for public health and policy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the SA conceptualization using a life course perspective and representative U.S. data.
- To examine the relative impact of childhood experiences, social structure, adult attainments, and behaviors on SA transitions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized eight waves of Health and Retirement Study data from 12,108 participants aged 51 and older.
- Employed logistic regression models to predict transitions out of SA status.
Main Results:
- Persistent influence of social structural factors and childhood experiences on SA transitions was observed.
- Adult attainments and later life behaviors also significantly impacted SA outcomes, but structural factors showed lasting effects.
Conclusions:
- Sustained influence of social structural factors questions the modifiability of SA outcomes as originally proposed.
- Findings suggest a need to reconsider policy and intervention strategies for promoting successful aging, considering early life and structural determinants.
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