Successful ageing for psychiatrists

Abstract

Successful ageing is a heterogeneous, inclusive concept that is subjectively defined. No longer constrained by the notion of "super-ageing", successful ageing can still be achieved in the face of physical and/or mental illness. Accordingly, it remains within the reach of most of us. It can, and should be, person-specific and individually defined, specific to one's bio-psycho-social and occupational circumstances, and importantly, reserves. Successful professional ageing is predicated upon insight into signature strengths, with selection of realistic goal setting and substitution of new goals, given the dynamic nature of these constructs as we age. Other essential elements are generativity and self-care. Given that insight is key, taking a regular stock or inventory of our reserves across bio-psycho-social domains might be helpful. Importantly, for successful ageing, this needs to be suitably matched to the professional task and load. This lends itself to a renewable personal ageing plan, which should be systemically adopted with routine expectations of self-care and professional responsibility.

Things I wish I’d known: desiderata for early career psychiatrists

“…8 We are reminded that throughout one's career there are developmental tasks and hurdles, such as adjusting to higher responsibilities. 11 Transition points are important for psychiatrists to consider at any stage of their career 18,19 as their work spans the molecular and the metapsychological. 20 The early career stage may be blessed, or blighted, by relative openness and flexibility, with a core desire to translate scientific evidence into clinical benefits for patients.…”

Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in: the older physician in the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Pre-COVID, the "stay and go factors" of retirement decision making were driven by a combination of biopsychosocial, macro-related, job, and individual factors (Cleland et al, 2020;Peisah, 2016;Wijeratne et al, 2017). While the "stay factors" may be enhanced by pitching in, a sense of purpose and accolades from the community which extend to special concessions offered to essential services, the "go factors" need not be enumerated.…”

Status and Role Transformations of the Elderly in Modern Russia

“…In modern conditions, the factors of successful aging are largely determined by the rapid development of innovative technologies and globalization (Martin, 2015). Successful aging is based on an adequate assessment of its resources, setting realistic life goals and its transforming (Peisah, 2015).…”

“…On the other hand, successful aging is a heterogeneous concept that is defined subjectively. Research results suggest that successful aging can still be achieved in physical and / or mental illness (Peisah, 2015).…”