Aging Successfully: Possible in Principle? Possible for all? Desirable for all?

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology
• Psychology

Background:

• Global human lifespan is increasing, making the concept of successful aging highly relevant.
• Gerontology faces challenges in defining and measuring successful aging.
• Existing models of successful aging vary across psychological, social, and bio-physical domains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate current models of successful aging.
• To explore the possibility, universality, and desirability of successful aging.
• To inform future research and policy on aging.

Main Methods:

• Review and comparison of six prominent successful aging models.
• Analysis of models across psychological, social, and bio-physical functioning domains.
• Addressing key questions regarding the feasibility and desirability of successful aging.

Main Results:

• Successful aging is possible in principle across most models, with limitations at the bio-physical level.
• Achieving successful aging for a large proportion of older adults in the future appears overly optimistic.
• The desirability of successful aging as a universal goal is questioned due to potential negative societal impacts.

Conclusions:

• While successful aging is achievable for many, its universal attainment is unlikely.
• The concept of successful aging requires nuanced consideration of individual and societal factors.
• Further investigation is needed to understand the long-term cultural and ethical implications of successful aging norms.