Unique set of attributes linked to healthy, optimal aging identified

Aging is a complex interplay of biological, behavioral, environmental, and social changes However, some studies have often missed or overlooked the influence of the dynamic roles of individual and environmental factors.

A recent study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health challenged prior definitions of healthy or successful aging by adopting a broader perspective. The researchers Mabel Ho et al, observed older adults in Canada and identified unique attributes among people who age optimally. They also assessed how well people age despite any chronic illnesses that may develop as they grow older.

This study introduced an expanded measure of successful aging by combining modified researcher-defined classifications of successful aging and lay perspectives of successful aging. The concept of successful aging used in this study includes adequate social support, the ability to accomplish both activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living activities, freedom from mental illness, memory problems, and disabling chronic pain, in addition to the older adults' self-reported happiness and subjective perception of their physical health, mental health and aging process as good to excellent. Earlier more restrictive researcher-defined classifications of successful aging classified one-third of older adults as successful aging

The results of this study were consistent with the findings from previous research studies on potential factors associated with successful aging. It was reported that the odds of achieving successful aging were higher among older adults who were younger, as well as those who were married, had higher income; were not obese; engaged in moderate to vigorous exercises; did not have sleeping problems; and who reported better physical and mental health at baseline. This study showed that women had higher odds of achieving successful aging than men. Contrary to these findings, previous research findings had reported that men had higher odds of achieving successful aging than women.

Reference:

Ho, M.; Pullenayegum, E.; Burnes, D.; Fuller-Thomson, E. Successful Aging among Immigrant and Canadian-Born Older Adults: Findings from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 13199. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013199