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Published on: November 19, 2015
Successful Aging: Illness and Social Connections.
Lisa F Carver1, Rob Beamish2, Susan P Phillips3
1Department of Sociology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada. 4LFC@Queensu.ca.
Successful aging in older adults with illness is positively influenced by relationships and religious activity, though frequent community involvement may hinder it. This finding highlights key factors for healthy aging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Social determinants of health significantly impact aging trajectories.
- Understanding factors promoting successful aging in individuals with chronic conditions is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of social determinants (gender, income, education, housing, social connections) on successful aging among older adults with illness.
- To identify specific social factors that correlate with successful aging in this population.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study with 50 adults aged 65-90 years, living independently with at least one illness.
- Utilized non-probability sampling with online and in-person interviews.
- Assessed successful aging using a single-item scale and the Successful Aging Inventory (SAI).
Main Results:
- 82% reported successful or somewhat successful aging.
- No significant correlations found between SAI and gender, income, education, or housing.
- Significant positive correlations observed between SAI and religious activity and relationships.
- Significant negative correlation found between SAI and community activity; frequent community activity had a suppressor effect.
Conclusions:
- Older adults with illness perceive themselves as aging successfully, with relationships and religious activity being key influencers.
- Community activity's role in successful aging is complex, potentially acting as a suppressor.
- Interventions promoting social connections and religious engagement may support successful aging in this demographic.
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