How to Age Successfully - Lecture 11

Question 1

Bowling (1993, 2005)

Ageing as dichotomous

Answer 1

The concept of ageing should be better placed on a
continuum of achievement, rather than being dichotomised into success
or failure

Question 2

Evaluation point of evidence suggesting one definition of successful ageing
Bowling
(2007 p.263)

Answer 2

Definitions ‘generally reflect the academic discipline of the investigator’

Question 3

What is ageing

Answer 3

• Development extends across the entire lifespan - adult development focuses on ageing process
• Can be used to mean decline (biological ageing)

Question 4

Gerontology

Answer 4

Scientific study of old age, the ageing process and particular problems of old people

Question 5

Academic definitions of ‘Successful ageing’ focus-

Answer 5

Origins in 1950s- research on functional age

- dichotomous categories of impaired vs. normal ageing

Question 6

Biomedical theories of successful ageing focus-

Answer 6

Optimisation of life expectancy and emphasise absence of disease
Distinguish between ‘usual ageing’ (with normal decline in physical, social and cognitive functioning) and ‘successful ageing’ (where functional losses are minimised)

Question 7

Rowe &Kahn’s (1998) model

Answer 7

Based on longitudinal cohort research studies of older adults

• 3 components of successful ageing:
• Avoidance of disease and risk factors of disease
• Maintenance of physical and cognitive functioning
• Active engagement with life

Question 8

Criticisms of Rowe & Kahn’s model

Answer 8

Its a complex concept
Disease free older age is unrealistic
Doesnt acknowledge capacity for ongoing change and development
Academic definitions do not always include elements that matter most to elderly people- (Bowling & Dieppe, 2005)

Question 9

Hung, Kempen &De Vries (2010)

Answer 9

Systematic review of 30 peer reviewed studies
Looked at what was valued between academics and lay groups and across cultures
-It’s about more than just longevity and the absence of disease or disability

Question 10

Who should be defining successful ageing?

Answer 10

successful ageing means different things to different people -Strawbridge et al. (2002)
Older adults more likely to report good subjective health (even if objective measurements are lower)

Question 11

General criticism of Academic definitions

Answer 11

Importance of personal meaning that is not accounted for much in academic definitions- tends to be functionality

Question 12

Examples of lay definitions

Bowling & Dieppe, 2005

Answer 12

Accomplishments
Financial security
Sense of purpose
etc.

Question 13

Reichstad et al. (2008,2010)

Answer 13

• Individual focused experiences of ageing, using focus groups
• socio-psychological perspective- Multidimensional, including a combination of objective and subjective factors
• Life expectancy, mental and physical health and functioning as well as many other more personal factors e.g. independence and control, personal growth, social networks and support

Question 14

Why is ageing worth researching?

Answer 14

-Due to demographic trends: >substantial increases in life expectancy
>growing proportions of 65> locally and globally
-Learn what adults prioritise as in relation to healthy ageing
-Used to improve quality of life as people age
-May also combat escalating health and social care costs

Question 15

Why is a lifespan perspective important in improving health?

Answer 15

By changing our lifestyles in early- and mid- life, we can influence the way that we age
>Under the premise that early life interventions can have long lasting effects

Question 16

How to use Life-course studies to implement health interventions

Answer 16

Show life stages particularly susceptible to the effects of age-influencing factors related to lifestyle or environment-
Use this to plan interventions in times where most susceptible

Question 17

George Valliant- Harvard Grant study (1930s/40s)

Answer 17

• Alcohol is a cause not a result of life’s problems
• Exercise regularly
• importance of having friends
• importance of love

Question 18

English Longitudinal Study for Ageing (ELSA) project

Answer 18

What facilitates healthy ageing?
e.g. physical activity into older age is associated with improved overall health (Hamer, Lavoie & Bacon, 2014)

Lower levels of social engagement related to poorer health, impaired cognitive function, and higher loneliness (ELSA report)

Question 19

Healthy ageing across the Life Course study (HALCyon)

Answer 19

Aimed to examine healthy ageing across the life course
Highlighted:
-importance of life stories
-being physically active
-eating healthily
-avoiding risky behaviours

Question 20

Successful ageing as a dynamic adaptation process

Answer 20

Ways in which we can be more successful in ageing…

• positivity
• Resilience- Jeste et al. (2013)
• SOC as a strategy
• Spirituality (Sadler & Biggs, 2006)

Question 21

Selective optimisation with compensation (SOC)

Baltes & Carstenson (1996)

Answer 21

Doing the best with what one has- a strategy managing losses associated with increased age

• Appraising and redefining goals
• Focusing on functioning and activities that are most important/meaningful to compensate for losses