Subjective model of successful aging and its determinants-analysis of a cross-sectional study

Due to the ongoing aging process in many societies, Successful Aging-SA is of paramount importance both individually and socially. The objective criteria for SA, as formulated by Rowe and Kahn, are the subject of critical debate. One criticism is the lack of a subjective assessment of SA by individuals. The aim was to examine SA and its determinants from the perspective of older adults.

The study included 2,964 individuals aged 60-103 years (mean 70.44;SD = 7.09) - 1,974 women (66.60%) and 990 men (33.40%). The study area was southern Poland. The research tool was a questionnaire consisting of a metric section and a proprietary tool - the Successful Aging Index-SAI. Additionally, the study utilized questionnaires assessing health-related quality of life - the SF-12, physical activity - the PAQE, and anxiety and depression - the HADS.

SAI was higher in women than in men. There was no correlation between age and the domains or the overall SAI. Sociodemographic variables: education, size of residence, marital status, household management, presence of chronic disease, and having children differentiated SAI and its domains: p < 0.0001. Regression results showed that physical and mental health components, education level, and household size positively influenced SAI levels.

A sense of physical and mental health has a key impact on SA. Important moderators of SA include individual agency, sociodemographic factors, and, in particular, education level and household type. Due to the difficulties in defining unambiguous quality criteria, SA should be treated as a linear variable.