Subjective Successful Aging in the Presence of Mobility Disability

Researchers often define successful aging as freedom from disability and disease, yet the perceptions of older adults living with disability challenge this conception, demonstrating that they can indeed age successfully. This paper adapts a framework of successful aging with disability, basing it on the subjective assessment of key components contributing to success among older adults living with mobility disability due to multiple sclerosis.

Employing a qualitative, theory-grounded methodology, we conducted semistructured interviews with 20 individuals aged 60-75 who live with mobility disability attributed to multiple sclerosis. The open-ended questions explored their perspectives on the aging process, their definition of successful aging, and the coping strategies they employ in navigating challenges associated with age and their condition.

Despite facing mobility disabilities, the majority (16 out of 20) expressed a sense of successful aging, identifying 5 key themes: accepting reality, maintaining a positive attitude, fostering independence, nurturing a social life, and preserving cognitive abilities. They achieved successful aging by focusing on alternatives, relying on external support, having a good attitude and faith, and accepting their challenges.

The themes identified in this research contribute to redefining successful aging in future studies and facilitating the development of interventions aimed at improving the quality of life for older adults coping with mobility disability.