How to Age Successfully

Aging is an inevitable process. People often lament growing older, except perhaps older aged children and adolescents who frequently want to be older because of the accompanying perks. The negative association adults have with aging may be due to their belief that the process carries debilitation and loss. It is important to recognize that there is a difference between “usual aging” and “successful aging.”

What is successful aging? Theorists developed many conceptualizations including the following:

• Erikson (1950) identified eight stages of life with the last labeled, “integrity versus despair.” This is when elderly individuals look back on their life and feel content and pride for what they accomplished or have regret and believe their life was a failure.
• Baltes and Baltes (1990) viewed successful aging in terms of resources; viz., internal coping resources and external social resources. Reliance on the resources can assist one in adapting to the challenges that occur in late life.
• Rowe and Kahn (1997) distinguished “successful aging” from “normal aging” by identifying three main components whose overlap represent “successful aging:” low probability of disease and disease-related disability; high cognitive and physical functional capacity; and active engagement with life (primarily interpersonal relations and productive activity).
• Successful aging is based on objective and subjective characteristics. Although most people would agree that if one had no age-related decline, they have aged successfully. However, others may argue that if one had some decline but was able to achieve their goals, this was successful aging. Pruchno et al., (2010) suggest that “successful aging” be defined according to two independent, yet related dimensions—objective success and subjective success.” (p. 822).
• Jeste et al. (2010) found that there is quite a difference between researchers’ definition of successful aging (freedom from disease and disability) and laypersons’ definition (adaptation, meaningfulness, and connection).

Generally, concerns about aging may arise during middle age when certain life events occur, such as physical illnesses and concerns about financial security (Versey et al., 2013). At this time people may begin to think about how they will manage when they get older and start to worry about the possibility of limited abilities and inadequate resources. Additionally, a re-evaluation of one’s life may occur; that is, “Did I accomplish, do, and experience all that I hoped to?” In other words, having a mid-life crisis. For such individuals, their current anxiety, disappointment, and stress about aging may interfere with their ability to ultimately achieve successful aging with the limited time they have left.

One of the perceived benefits of growing older and experiencing various situations and challenges is the attainment of wisdom and the acquisition of coping mechanisms. This occurs by virtue of having learned how to manage and deal with predicaments. In doing so, people acquire the ability to compromise and adjust to their circumstances.

In light of the various views of successful aging, what can one do to achieve such an outcome? Bearing in mind how aging is a life-long process (that is, from the moment we are born to the day we die), focusing on “successfully aging” should begin as soon as possible. It is understandable how this topic assumes greater importance in old age, but instituting some of the below noted suggestions can be beneficial throughout one’s life.

• As one’s health is paramount during older years, it is essential that people engage in activities that will avoid or decrease disease and disability. Thus, one should continue or adopt a lifestyle that promotes health and cognitive challenges.
• It is very important to recognize that mild stress can serve as an incentive for one to maintain their physical and cognitive health, but too much stress should be avoided.
• Do not adopt the negative stereotypes given to old age. Older aged people today are more robust and active than ever before. It’s been found that those who believe themselves to be competent perform better than those who believe they are not competent. Successful performance serves as positive reinforcement and validates one’s competence.
• Do not fall under the stereotype that one cannot do something because of their age; they can, they just may do it differently than others.
• Be flexible. Be open to new experiences and new ways of doing things. It’s never too late to experiment. Learning is something people do throughout their lives. Life is full of surprises and gratification, and such experiences should not end until you do.
• Find a goal to achieve. Choose something that will challenge you and test your experience and strengths.
• Engage in social activities! This encourages social support systems and promotes positive mental health.
• Perform productive community activities such as volunteering. This not only contributes to the well-being of others but reinforces one’s sense of having a meaningful life.
• Think about the legacy you want to leave to your family, friends, and others. Continue or pursue activities that will impact people’s lives and their well-being. Your “footprint” doesn’t have to be “earth-shattering,” only something that will make you proud and be of benefit to others.
• Do not be afraid to be adventurous and try new activities or explore new ideas. You may learn more about the world and yourself.
• Focus on your well-being. Adopt peace with oneself. Choose happiness over sadness or any other negative emotion. Engage in activities that enhance happiness. Enjoy your life.

We are all born with potential. In many ways, it is our personality characteristics impacting our decisions that determine our destiny. Do not keep yourself from trying to achieve all you can. Success is up to us.