A qualitative study to examine older adults' perceptions of health: Keys to aging successfully

Abstract

Older adult health is often defined in clinical terms. Research has demonstrated that many older adults self-report aging successfully regardless of clinical health status. This qualitative study used claims data to identify older adults on three levels of health status: healthy and active, managing diseases, or very sick, to better understand how health is defined and maintained. In total, 32 participants from two cities were interviewed. Interviews were audio- and video-recorded and then transcribed. Thematic analysis identified five themes: disconnectedness between objective and subjective health; health defined to include psychological and social components; resilience and coping mechanisms indicative of successful aging; social support systems integral to health; and the goal of maintaining functioning. These results indicate the importance of individual perceptions of health rather than just counts of chronic diseases. Health management programs should provide holistic approaches to maximize health outcomes and to promote successful aging.

Positive perception of aging is a key predictor of quality-of-life in aging people

“…This could be explained by the fact that aging people use less active strategies, are less focused on problem-solving or seeking assistance, and tend to resort to more passive intrapersonal coping strategies [ 32 ]. Perceptions of one's personal financial situation as well as of the family support network and coping centred on social support also have impact on QoL, as already shown [ 13 , 22 , 33 – 36 ].…”

“…Although numerous events can occur in a lifetime, including the later years, it is never too late to plan action to improve those aspects contributing to QoL [ 34 ]. Successful aging could be bolstered by suggesting programs to build skills in these areas [ 36 ]. However conflicting results have been reported and a recent study showed that aging self-perception is not easily manipulated by stereotypes priming.…”

Relationships among Leisure Physical Activity, Sedentary Lifestyle, Physical Fitness, and Happiness in Adults 65 Years or Older in Taiwan

“…The last is actively participating in society. In other words, maintaining quality of late life is the main purpose of success aging [ 8 ], and it includes multidimensional aspects, such as overall health status [ 9 ], biophysical functionalities [ 10 ], social relationships [ 11 ], and happiness [ 12 ]. Nevertheless, these dimensions are usually correlated with an elderly person’s physical fitness and daily activities.…”

Dancing in the golden age: a study on physical function, quality of life, and social engagement

“…Physical and psychosocial functions can be maintained and improved during old age via participation in regular physical exercise. Regular physical exercise is one of the most important components for successful ageing, 12 including the preservation of both physical and cognitive function, maintenance of social interaction and continued engagement in meaningful activities.…”