Who Is Your Successful Aging Role Model?

Abstract

Young, middle-aged, and older adults have role models for successful aging. Links between role model features and views on aging suggest that role models may be useful in promoting successful aging.

“Don’t sit back with the geraniums, get out”: The complexity of older women’s stories of sport participation

“…McIntosh (2015) noted that one senior female athlete in her study exclaimed 'we need role models too!' The early evidence suggests that what constitutes a viable role model for youth may be applicable to seniors (Horton et al, 2013;Joop et al, 2017;Lockwood & Kunda, 1997). However, while more research is needed on role models for older adults, it may be that some of the women in our study, given their elite-athlete status, may be more suitable role models for younger generations than for their age-matched peers (Lithopoulosa, Rathwell, & Young, 2014).…”

“…Role model research that has been conducted with young people suggests that the ideal role model was someone who was slightly older and had achieved outstanding, but not impossible success in an area in which respondents hoped to excel (Lockwood & Kunda, 1997). While having appropriate role models for young people is widely acknowledged to be important (Beck, 1989;Nauta & Kokaly, 2001) research on this topic for seniors is in its infancy (Joop, Jung, Damarin, Mirpuri, & Spini, 2017). There is, however, growing awareness that it may be a significant research area for a senior population that is growing in both age and number Kirby & Kluge, 2013).…”

Older Parents’ and Middle-Aged Children’s Communication as Predictors of Children’s Successful Aging

“…In light of these obstacles, research on factors that promote successful aging is warranted. Older parents are among the most common role models with respect to how adults should age successfully (Jopp, Jung, Damarin, Mirpuri, & Spini, 2017). Connecting the often-separated domains of family communication and successful aging, this study seeks to better understand how U.S. American parents’ and children’s language and communication about aging predicts the successful aging of children in their 40s and 50s.…”

Middle-aged women negotiating the ageing process through participation in outdoor adventure activities

“…These perceptions are an amalgam of life experiences, expectations and societal attitudes that subsequently impact on behaviour (Levy, 2009). Understanding of the role others may play in shaping perceptions of ageing is limited and, as a consequence, has the potential to constrain the experience of ageing (Jopp et al, 2017). Jopp et al (2017) posit that role models have a positive function to play in how people identify with others and aid in providing motivation and acting as a positive example.…”

“…Understanding of the role others may play in shaping perceptions of ageing is limited and, as a consequence, has the potential to constrain the experience of ageing (Jopp et al, 2017). Jopp et al (2017) posit that role models have a positive function to play in how people identify with others and aid in providing motivation and acting as a positive example. Active older people as role models can motivate others to be active and counter the impact of negative stereotypes (Ory et al, 2003).…”