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Successful aging, life satisfaction, and generativity in later life
1Southwest Missouri State University, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Springfield 65804, USA.
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Older adults define successful aging through coping and personal growth, distinct from life satisfaction which focuses on basic needs. Generativity is key to aging successfully.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology of Aging
Background:
- Successful aging and life satisfaction are key concepts in understanding well-being in later life.
- Differentiating these concepts is crucial for targeted interventions and support for older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the meanings older adults ascribe to successful aging and life satisfaction.
- To differentiate between the concepts of successful aging and life satisfaction based on older adults' perspectives.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving 40 elderly participants (ages 61-92) from the Ozarks Area Foster Grandparent Program.
- Open-ended survey questionnaires were used to gather data on perceptions of successful aging and life satisfaction.
- Data were coded by two independent reviewers for content analysis.
Main Results:
- Successful aging was more frequently associated with attitudinal or coping orientations compared to life satisfaction.
- Life satisfaction descriptions centered on the fulfillment of basic needs and was seen as a prerequisite for successful aging.
- Five core features of successful aging were identified: social interactions, purpose, self-acceptance, personal growth, and autonomy.
Conclusions:
- Generativity significantly contributes to successful aging in older adults.
- Successful aging involves distinct elements beyond basic need fulfillment, emphasizing personal development and engagement.
- Understanding these distinctions is vital for promoting well-being and a sense of purpose in later life.