Positive Youth Development

UNIT 14 SUCCESSFUL AGEING*

Structure

14.1 Learning Objectives

14.2 Introduction
14.3 Understanding Ageing
14.4 Types of Ageing
14.5 Theoretical Paradigm of Ageing
14.6 Successful Ageing: Definition
14.6.1 Building Blocks of Successful Ageing
14.7 Predictors of Successful Ageing
14.7.1 Subjective well-being
14.7.2 Cognitive functioning
14.7.3 Physical functioning
14.7.4 Positive personality traits
14.7.5 Living life fullest
14.8 Strategies to Promote Successful Ageing
14.9 Let Us Sum Up
14.10 Key Words
14.11 Answers to Self Assessment Questions
14.12 Unit End Questions
14.13 References and Further Learning Resources

14.1 LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After studying this Unit, you would be able to:
 Understand the meaning of ageing and its different subtypes;
 Explain the theories of ageing;
 Define successful ageing and its components; and
 Discuss different determinants and strategies to promote successful ageing.

14.2 INTRODUCTION
“It’s not how old you are. It’s how you are old.”- Jules Renard
Successful ageing has been receiving much attention in recent years due to the
longevity, growing elderly population and high risk for having various physical
and mental health problems. Successful ageing is a state of health (physical and
psychological) and vitality throughout one’s life span. It simply denotes health

*
Pooja Sharma Nath, Assistant Professor, Clinical Psychology, School of Behavioural Sciences,
National Forensic Science University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 259
Role of Psychology in Positive and well-being in latter decades of life. It has been so significant that the year
Growth Across Life Span
1999 was called as “Year of the Older Persons” by the World Health Organization.
It gave an impetus to look for the factors and conditions that would develop an
understanding of the problems of ageing and identifying the strategies for
facilitating successful ageing. It is also worth knowing that there is diversity in
the ageing process.Advancement in medicines and technological usage in health
have led to increase in life expectancy, thus leading to a greater surge in the older
population in both developed and developing countries. This increase in the elderly
population has brought several issues related to physical and psychosocial
problems. Increase in the longevity has brought the focus on how to old, with
greater impetus to age well.

14.3 UNDERSTANDING AGEING

The proportion of older persons is increasing across the globe. It is projected that
the total population of India will increase by 55% by 2050 and the elderly above
60 years will increase by 326% (UN, 2002). Presently India has around 90 million
elderly and by 2050, the number is expected to increase to 315 million, constituting
20 % of the total population (UNFPA India, 2011). These data show an increasing
trend in the percentage of aged population in India and with increase in longevity,
the proportion of older persons in the country is expected to continue to rise in
the future. This also means concomitant increase in the burdens associated with
ageing.
Physical and psychological problems are likely to increase in older age as they
are more vulnerable due to ageing process. Societies in the developing countries
have been changing, in terms of structure and functions of its members, in
consequent to the rapid migration from villages to towns and cities. Individuals
with chronological age of 60 and above have been considered as older persons
(UN, 2009). However, in ageing research, there are variations in terms of defining
older adults and these cut off points have ranged between 50 and 60 years. Ancient
Indian system and thought divides life span into four stages or ‘Ashramas’ and
old age is said to begin at the stage of ‘Vanprasth Ashram’, starting at 50 years.
Ageing is a socially constructed phenomenon and how it is perceived and
experienced is influenced by culture, societal expectations, and individuals’ lived
experiences (Brooks, 2010; Chonody and Teater, 2018). Ageing is
multidimensional and involves changes in biological, psychological and cognitive
function. With increasing age, we often experience decline in physical and
psychological functioning. As we grow older we experience several changes which
affect our personal, social and professional life. These age related changes hamper
our daily activities and one could become dependent on others. Presence of several
disease and related disabilities also come into existence as one ages. Therefore,
ageing is seen synonymous with chronic medical illnesses, disabilities, decline
in cognitive abilities, decrease in functional abilities and changes in social roles.
Ageism refers to the negative perception, attitude and treatment of the elderly
mainly because of their age. The younger people think that the elderly are not
able to do anything, they consider them as weak, helpless, attribute negative
qualities to them, and exhibit discriminatory behavior and practices towards older
260 adults due to their age. Further, they are considered to be like infants who need to
be taken care of, and in many a cases, they are not involved in the family maters Successful Ageing
and are neglected as if they are no more useful now.

14.4 TYPES OF AGEING

 Chronological Ageing- It is the age of the person in years from the time one
is born. A general impression about one’s cognitive, psychological and social
development is made from chronological age. However, other factors that
influence development apart from chronological age are social, cultural and
individual factors.
 Biological Ageing- It is the effect of ageing on one’s physiological systems,
as physiological age is the changes in individual’s organismic structure and
functions. It is also known as senescence (decline of cell or organism due to
ageing) or functional ageing. The biological events occurring across time,
gradually impairs the physiological system, which results in affecting the
disease immunity of the individual and consequently leading to death. The
physiological ageing is contingent upon number of factors such as genetic
factors, nutrition, experiences of disease, one’s vulnerabilities and the stage
of development.
 Psychological Ageing- it is mainly an individual’s capacity to adapt to the
changing environment. Psychological ageing comprises of memory, learning
and emotions, intelligence, motivation and self-perception. The psychological
development or ageing is also context driven i.e. how environment plays a
significant role in individual’s growth and decline.
 Social Ageing- It is the changing experiences that individuals encounter in
their social roles and relationships and as part of broader social structures
(such as religious groups) as they pass through different phases of their life
course. It is determined by the social activities of the individual and society’s
perception as appropriate or inappropriate at a particular age or stage of
maturity.
 Cognitive Ageing- The cognitive abilities improves as we grow into adulthood.
However, in later years there is age related decline in various cognitive
functions such as memory, learning, processing speed. Certain cognitive skills
such as vocabulary and general knowledge generally do not demonstrate any
decline with increasing chronological age.
 Sexual Ageing- This refers to one’s ability and desire to engage in sexual
activity. However sexual desire remain active throughout life, even if one
doesn’t engage in active sexual activity. Sexologist opines that sexual
responsiveness weakens in the male after the age of 60 years, however
regularity of arousal, adequate physical well-being and a healthy mental
orientation to the ageing process provide a favourable climate to the sexual
performance that may extend up to or beyond the age of 80 years.
 Affective Ageing- Unlike other types of ageing, it has been seen that the
emotional experiences and expressions improve with growing age. One is
able to regulate emotions better with age. Negative affect and anger are
experienced less. Culture, family environment and support impact the
affective ageing.
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Role of Psychology in Positive
Growth Across Life Span Self Assessment Questions 1
1. What is ageism?
2. Differentiate between chronological and biological ageing.
3. Which stage indicates the old age stage in the ‘Ashram’ system of ancient
India?

14.5 THEORETICAL PARADIGM OF AGEING

There are various theoretical perspectives on ageing. Let us know about them
below.
1. Disengagement theory
As the term suggests, here the individual would disengage from one’s
active life as they become older. This theory was proposed by Cumming
and Henry around 1961. Accordingly, older persons’ voluntarily disengage
themselves from their social responsibilities and involve themselves in
a manner that would be more restrictive. This reduction in work is due
to decrease in individual’s physical and psychic energies. Sometime the
disengagement is due to societal and cultural norms, where a particular
set of behaviours are expected from older persons.
2. Activity theory
According to this theory, successful ageing indicates that one is able to
maintain the earlier activities in the later years of life as well and also is
able to have same attitudes towards them. It was proposed by Havinghurst
(1961). According to activity theory, when older people continue to
engage themselves in social activities, personal activities and pursuing
certain hobbies or solitary activities, they not only remain active but also
have higher self-esteem, and are lot happier. Activity theory has lot of
similarity to the concept of successful ageing as it emphasizes on
remaining productive in one’s old age too.
3. Subculture theory
This theory was developed by Rose and Peterson (1965). According to
this theory older people form subcultures and interact with others having
similar backgrounds, experiences, attitudes, values, beliefs and lifestyles.
Contrary to the activity theory, the subculture theory believes that the
older people form the subculture due to social segregation, social
differentiation and discrimination based on age. It assumes that people
establish new ties and bonds based on similar age rather than other factors,
thus leading towards having an isolated group of older persons only.
4. Selective Optimization with Compensation
This was developed by Baltes and Baltes (1990). According to this theory,
as people grow older, restrictions in the functional domains increases.
However they try to engage in some activities more depending upon
their interests as well as they try to find ways to compensate for loss of
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 abilities and skills, e.g., hearing aids, walking sticks and socializing on Successful Ageing
phone. Successful ageing is a process that continues across the life course.
Importance has been given to individual and cultural variations.
5. Proactivity Theory
This was developed by Kahana and Kahana (1996).This is based upon
preventive and corrective proactivity. Inspite of difficulties caused by
old age such as chronic illness, loneliness etc., maintenance of good
quality of life may be possible by utilizing internal coping resources and
external social support. Proactive behaviour adaptations is facilitated
and individual engages in positive health behaviour, helping others,
planning ahead, modifying one’s environment and role substitution.
Proactive adaptation helps in buffering the negative effects of stressors
and lifting the overall wellbeing of the individual. The proactivity theory
sees successful ageing both as a process and outcome.
6. Socio Emotional Selectivity Theory
This was developed by Carstensen, Fung, and Charles (2003).It explains
that older people prioritize emotional goals, adjust emotional regulations
and social interactions to maximize positive experiences. They choose
close relationships to optimize positive emotional experiences.
7. Gerotranscendence Theory
Developed by Tornstam (2005), the theory states that the older adult
counteracts the mistakes one did in the middle age by legacy building
and existential concerns and looks for newer meanings and essence.
8. Lifespan Approaches
A widely used approach to the study of old age is lifespan approaches.
As the name indicates, the lifespan approaches focus on the changes and
challenges that takes place throughout the developmental years. Here it
is important to note the following about development:
 Development is a continuous process and continues throughout the
life.
 Development related changes occur not only in the biological domain
but also psychological and social.
 Developmental changes occur in sequence and only when previous
stage is reached the individual develops to the next.
 Development is also context specific to the culture and society in
which an individual lives.
Old age is viewed as a continuous development based upon the past
experiences and present status. It focuses on general overall development
changes rather than personality related variations. The lifespan
psychologists include Jung, Adler, Erickson, Peck, Neugarten and
Havighurst.
i. The Jungian approach. According to this approach there are two
types of orientations: firstly the one that is driven by instinctual drives 263
Role of Psychology in Positive and excessive involvement of emotions in childhood and
Growth Across Life Span
adolescence; secondly during the adulthood there is more emphasis
on one’s identity and involvement with family, work and society.
Moving towards middle age and further old age,individual tries to
maintain balance between the two, followed by increasing awareness
of self, about life and the death. As the individual realizes the death
which is inevitable, s/he tries to understand or search for the meaning.
In this process of individuation, individual tries to focus on the ‘other’
aspect of self that had remained undeveloped, which are neglected
intrapsychic realities. According to Jung, the ability of the individual
to enrich one’s inner life and understand and appreciate oneself is
self-actualization. Further, accepting the ultimate, i.e., death and
living life fullest should be the two important goals in old age.
ii. The Adlerian approach. According to this approach, individuals
define themselves in context to others. It assumes that wellbeing
depend upon one’s social involvement and satisfactory lifestyle.
Community feeling and social interest are important for old age.
iii. Erik Erikson’s approach. The last stage in Erikson’s (1950) eight
stages of psychosocial developmentis characterized by ‘ego integrity
vs. despair’. Ego integrity can be achieved in the older age after
having lived a satisfactory and fulfilling life. Once the person has
completed his/her responsibilities and exhibited mastery over one’s
work in the previous stage, ego integrity is achieved. The concept of
successful ageing is more subjective in nature. It depends upon
individual’s experience rather than the objective evaluation, e.g.,
ego despair is observed in individual’s who see their life as
unproductive, and didn’t achieve anything.
iv. Peck’s approach. Robert peck’s (1968) theory of development mainly
focused on middle age and old age by elaborating Erikson’s eighth
stage of development. It talks about the developmental tasks of ego
differentiation, body transcendence, and ego transcendence. Here
ego differentiation is the self-assessment by the individual regarding
what s/he is going to do after retirement beyond the work role; body
transcendence can be understood as the compensatory actions for
one’s physical limitations through cognitive, social and emotional
life. Ego transcendence would be legacy building keeping in mind
the end, on the principle of generativity. It talks about accepting life,
contributing to future generations and having a sense of their life
being worthwhile.
v. Neugarten’s approach.According to Neugarten(1964), as the
individual progresses towards older age there is a withdrawal from
the outer world and emergence of preoccupation with the inner self.
This was referred as interiority of the personality. The individual
should be understood in terms of the social framework of the society.
vi. Havighurst’s approach. According to Havighurst(1972), personality
organization and coping style are the main factors involved in
adjustment to old age. Old age requires one to make adjustments to
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 (a) decreasing physical strength and health; (b) retirement and reduced Successful Ageing
income; and (c) death of one’s spouse. These factors along with
financial security, societal norms, beliefs, provisions for elderly
influence life satisfaction. Further it is important to establish an
affiliation to some group having person of similar age, being flexible
in adapting to changing roles and trying to live satisfactorily.
Ageing is a continuous inevitable process where certain deficits and decline may
occur. However, there are instances of many older peoplewhoare able to lead a
very active, energetic, healthy life and the effect of age on their functioning is
minimal. Have you ever wondered WHY? Researchers have been studying this
aspect of ageing where people live to their optimal even in their 70s or 80s despite
decline in physical and cognitive areas. This is known as ageing well or successful
ageing.
Let us know more about successful ageing.

“Healthy Ageing is the process of developing and maintain the functional

ability that enables well-being in older age” (WHO). Functional ability includes,
 Ability to meet one’s basic needs
 Ability to learn, grow and make decision
 Mobility
 Ability to build and maintain relationship
 Ability to contribute in society
This combines the intrinsic capacity of the individual, the environment a person
lives in and how people interact with their environment.
“Decade” is an initiative taken by WHO in bringing together all stake holders
such as government, NGOs, civil society, international agencies etc. to improve
the life of the older people by collaboratively working towards it from 2021-
2030.
The objectives of “Decade” are action to promote health, prevent disease,
maintain intrinsic capacity and enable functional ability.
 Change how we think, feel and act towards age and ageing.
 Ensure that communities foster the abilities of older people.
 Deliver person centered integrated care and primary health services that
are responsive to older people.
 Provide access to long term care for older people who need it.

14.6 SUCCESSFUL AGEING: DEFINITION

Successful ageing is a multi-dimensional concept that includes physical, social
and psychological well-being. Successful ageing can be understood in terms of
longevity along with good physical, psychological and social health and well-
being. There have been several terms used as synonymous to successful ageing 265
Role of Psychology in Positive (SA) in the literature, such as positive ageing, active ageing, ageing well, healthy
Growth Across Life Span
ageing, optimum ageing, productive ageing, vital ageing, robust ageing and joyful
ageing.
The term successful ageing first came to limelight after book ‘Successful Ageing’
by Rowe and Kahn in 1987. However, as we have read under theoretical paradigm,
many others have also brought this aspect of ageing before Rowe and Kahn.
According to Havighurst (1961), successful ageing is ‘adding life to years’ and
getting satisfaction from life. Rowe and Kahn (1987) further popularized this
term and enumerated three components of successful ageing: (a) avoiding disease
and disability, (b) maintaining high cognitive and physical functioning, and (c)
engagement with life. Previously ageing was considered to be associated with
diseases, disabilities, and restrictions in one’s activities. It was only later that
successful ageing was considered not only the absence of disease and disability
but also as related to psychosocial factors.
Ryff (1989) listed few criteria that are important in successful ageing. These are:
self-acceptance, positive relationships with others, self-determination, control
over the environment, purposefulness in life, and personal development.
According to Ryff, ageing is an evolutionary process, and growth and excellence
in one’s life is possible. Later, Moody (2005) suggested that successful ageing
consist of key ideas such as “life satisfaction, longevity, freedom from disability,
mastery and growth, active engagement with life, and independence”.
As one can see, the concept of successful ageing is so broad and includes so
many different aspects, it may be difficult to bring all of them together in any
single definition. At the same time, it has been an evolving concept. In an
interesting study by Depp and Jeste (2006), it was found that several different
components are used to define successful ageing. Majority of the definitions
included functional disability/ functional performance as a core component,
followed by cognitive functions, life satisfaction/welfare, productive/social
engagement, absence of disease, longevity, health/wellbeing, environmental
factors and finance. Each of these components emphasizes on the potential and
benefits of leading an optimal life during old age.Further, definitions of successful
ageing involve objective criteria emphasizing outcome and achievements. Later
it was realized that subjective experience of the old people was equally important.
Therefore, successful ageing is a multidimensional concept and involves both
subjective and objective criteria.

14.6.1 Building Blocks of Successful Ageing

The following components can be considered to be the building blocks of
successful ageing:
 Physical component: Physical component includes absence of physical
illness, disability and independent incarrying out physical functions.
Physical well-being can be understood as maintaining good physical
health and being independent for activities of daily life.
 Psychological component: It refers to capacity to engage in different
mental activities, feeling happy, absence of cognitive and psychological
problems. This also includes acceptance of self, personal growth, purpose
266
 or meaning in life, positive relations with others, environmental mastery Successful Ageing
and autonomy.
 Social component includes social acceptance, social actualization, social
contribution, social coherence and social integration. It indicates being
able to lead a meaningful social life by being actively involved in it and
contributing towards it.

Fig. 14.1: Building Blocks of Successful Ageing

Self Assessment Questions 2

1. What is disengagement theory?
2. Name the theme of the eighth stage of Erikson’s psychosocial development.
3. What is successful ageing?
4. What are the three main components of successful ageing?

14.7 PREDICTORS OF SUCCESSFUL AGEING

Several factors have been found to be important predictors of successful ageing.
Understanding of the predictive factors help in guiding interventions for promotion
of successful ageing. They help in enhancing quality of life, decreasing mortality
and morbidity.

14.7.1 Subjective well-being

Subjective experience of happiness or well-being is regarded as crucial for
successful ageing. High subjective well-being is considered beneficial as it
enhances our ability to cope and deal with challenges. Subjective well-being can
be conceptualized in terms of an affective component (presence of positive affect
and absence of or low negative affect) and a cognitive-evaluative component
(sense of satisfaction in life) (Diener, 1984). Higher subjective well-being is
associated with better health and longevity, cardiovascular health and good
immune system.
One’s physical and mental well-being have also been found to be affected by
resilience. Resilience buffers and protects against traumas, losses, deprivation,
and threats. Research on resilience initially was carried out on children with
deprivation but later on it has been spread to other areas as well and its role in
successful ageing is now well established. 267
Role of Psychology in Positive Several demographic factors have also been found to affect our subjective well-
Growth Across Life Span
being and correlate with successful ageing. It has been seen that people with
higher education have a better sense of well-being during old age. Higher education
leading to better job opportunities and in turn resulting in increased income,
enables elderly to have better access to resources and hence have better chances
of successful ageing. Marital status and good social support also play an important
role in predicting successful ageing.

14.7.2 Cognitive functioning

Cognitive functioning refers to higher mental processes including attention,
executive function, speed of processing, language, learning, memory and visuo-
spatial function (Refer to Fig. 14.2 below). Higher cognitive functioning is another
crucial component for successful ageing. Better cognitive abilities such as
planning, problem solving and memory can help us to deal with our day-to-day
challenges and enable us to function independently. Better cognition could enhance
our confidence, self-esteem and well-being. On the other hand, cognitive
impairment can affect our physical and psychological well-being.
It may be noted here that normal ageing affects our cognition especially decline in
processing speed and memory. However, such decline is considered normal and
does not require professional help or support. On the other hand, many a times
memory problems could start affecting our decision making and activities of daily
life. And such condition might be called dementia. Dementia is a general term for
loss of memory, and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with
daily life. According to World Health Organization, “dementia is a syndrome due
to disease of the brain, usually of chronic or progressive nature, in which there is
impairment of multiple higher cortical functions, including memory, thinking,
orientation, calculation, learning capacity, language and judgement” (ICD-10).
Dementia is associated with significant medical, psychological and social burden.
There are 3.7 million Indians with dementia and the total societal costs is about
14,700 crore and the numbers are expected to double by 2030.

268 Fig. 14.2: Higher Cognitive Functions

14.7.3 Physical functioning Successful Ageing

Health is usually considered as wealth. Better health is associated with happiness

and ageing successfully. Ageing can attract a host of physical and mental health
problems such as arthritis, hypertension, hearing problems, anxiety and depression.
Presence of physical or psychological problems could adversely affect our well-
being and psychosocial functioning including quality of life. Poor quality of life
is associated with low subjective experience of successful ageing. On the other
hand, absence of disease and disability enables us to function independently and
enhances our subjective experience of successful ageing (as proposed by Rowe
and Kahn, 1987). Physical and mental illness can adversely affect our
independence, social activities, leisure activities as well as instrumental activities
of daily living and such interruption might compromise successful ageing.
Therefore physical and psychological health and well-being is necessary
components of successful ageing.

Common health related Problems in old age

 Hearing problems

 Visual problems

 Decline in muscle mass and strength

 Slowness in psychomotor speed

 Urinary incontinence

 Cardiovascular disease

 Hypertension

 Osteoarthritis

 Diabetes

 Forgetfulness

 Dementia

 Depression

14.7.4 Positive personality traits

The role of personality cannot be denied in the process of successful ageing.
Several personality characteristics have been found to be positively related to
well-beingand longevity. The big five personality traits (Fiske, 1949, McCrae &
Costa, 1987): openness to experience, agreeableness, extraversion,
conscientiousness and neuroticism have been found to be associated with
environmental mastery, purpose in life and self-acceptance. Several researches
have been carried out and established the inevitable role of personality traits in
ageing successfully. Having a meaning or purpose in life makes one’s life objective
269
Role of Psychology in Positive and significant. It also helps in understanding the negative or stressful events in
Growth Across Life Span
more positive way.

Resilience, optimism, perseverance, self-efficacy, hardiness, ego resiliency are

some of the other characteristics found to be related to well-being and in ageing
successfully. Resilience, mentioned in earlier section also, isan important
component in subjective well-being. Resilience is considered both as a process
and an outcome.

Researchstudies consider resilience to be a dynamic developmental process rather

than resilience as a personality trait. Resilience can be enhanced and strengthened,
however presence of certain other traits can affect the outcome such as, optimism,
which is having a strong conviction that good rather than bad will only happen;
perseverance, which is undertaking tasks and challenges and finishing them; self-
efficacy plays a strong protective role in handling challenges and stresses in life.
As defined by Bandura, “self- efficacy is people’s beliefs in their capabilities to
produce desired effects by their own actions”.
Another term which is often used with resilience is “ego-resiliency”. It is the
capacity to overcome, and bounce back from adversity, and has been considered
to be a stable personality trait. It has been found that adults high on ego-resiliency
exhibited greater physiological and emotional recovery from stress. Similarly
another trait which is psychological hardiness, is also associated with resilience,
as it enables older adults to handle difficulties and challenges in later years.
Psychological hardiness consists of three interrelated dispositions- commitment
(not alienation), control (not powerlessness), and challenge (not threat). Another
personality characteristic which is very important is hope, that is,having positive
expectation from future and also working towards it.

14.7.5 Living life fullest

There is several intentional and effortful activities that we do in our life in
order to make our life more productive and healthy. Indulging in a variety of
such activities is useful such as drawing, gardening, reading, painting, stitching,
embroidery, cooking or learning new skills, engaging in physical activities,
making effort to enhance quality relationship, donating and helping people,
spending time with nature and so on. It is worth mentioning here that active
participation in effortful activities could have far reaching beneficial impact
on our physical, psychological and social health. For example, leisure or social
activities involve some form of physical, mental or social stimulation which in
turn improves our physical and psychosocial well-being. Similarly, participation
in social activities is known to enhance interactive skills, sense of belonging,
purpose, support as well as physical and mental stimulation. To summarize,
engaging in the health behaviours such as having good eating habits, exercising
or doing some physical activity, getting health checkups regularly, avoiding
smoking and alcohol, maintaining a regular routine and sleeping well, reduce
the chances of physical health problems. Social activities, recreational activities
and creative activities also affect one’s physical, mental and cognitive well-
being.

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 Successful Ageing
14.8 STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE SUCCESSFUL
AGEING
Over the years various strategies have been found to be effective in promoting
successful ageing. Such activities comprise of active participation in regular
physical activities such as walking and yoga, eating a balanced diet, self-
monitoring of one’s own health, following a healthy lifestyle, engaging in social
relations, having a positive attitude towards self and others, doing things that
gives happiness, staying mentally active by doing activities such as reading
newspaper, solving quizzes, learning new skills, improving knowledge about
latest technology.
Let us discuss a few salient ones below in detail.
 Life style matters
Age related decline in physical and cognitive functions are often
associated with life style and related factors. Lifestyle factors are our
own learned habits and behaviors, and hence it is modifiable in nature.
Exercise, sleep patterns, cigarette smoking, drugs use, medications,
alcohol use, caffeine consumption, eating habits, use of seat belt,
helmets are some of the examples of life style factors. Successful ageing
can be achieved by keeping in mind the above things and following a
healthy life style such as abstaining from smoking and drug use, doing
physical activity and regular exercise and sustaining quality dietary
habits.
Beneficial role of physical activities/exercise and quality dietary habits
is widely reported in scientific literature. It is well proven that physical
activity is associated with better health, memory and cognition. Further
it reduces our risk to develop ageing related health problems such as
cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes and other physical and
brain related problems.
Health
Health

 Social support helps

Quality social support is considered important for successful ageing.
Our social ties, relationship and related support are known to enhance
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Role of Psychology in Positive our well-being. It is basically network of people such as friends, relatives,
Growth Across Life Span
neighbors or significant others who are accessible or available for support
and help. Social support can be available in terms of structure (size of
network) and function (emotional or instrumental) it serves. Having
quality support system is associated with healthy and successful ageing.
High quality social support is known to enhance our coping to deal with
the stress as well as illness through perceived support and assistance.

Benefits of social support

 Longevity
 Better physical health
 Better emotional health and well-being
 Tangible assistance
 Information and guidance

 Keep learning
Constantly engaging in varieties of stimulating activities like learning
new things, reading, exploring new things, doing creative activities,
playing stimulating games are known to improve our cognitive functions.
Cognitive or mental stimulationhelps keep our brain healthy. Beneficial
effects of such activities are widely reported in successful ageing
literature. Cognitive activity enhances our brain resilience and therefore
helps to achieve successful ageing. Participation in different activities
can stimulate as well as enhances our physical, social and cognitive
functions.

14.9 LET US SUM UP

Successful ageing is a multi-dimensional concept that includes physical, social
and psychological well-being. Successful ageing can be understood in terms of
longevity along with good physical and psychological health and well-being. it
is related with health and well-being in latter decades of life. Several factors
have been found to be important predictors of successful ageing including
subjective well-being, better physical and psychological health, personality traits
and participation in different activities. Healthy life styles, mental and cognitive
stimulation, participation in social activities are known to be effective in promoting
successful ageing.

14.10 KEY WORDS

Ageing : is multidimensional and involves changes in
biological, psychological and cognitive function. How
it is perceived and experienced is influenced by
culture, societal expectations, and individuals’ lived
experiences.
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Ageism : refers to the negative perception, attitude and treatment Successful Ageing

of the elderly mainly because of their age.

Subculture Theory : explains that older people form subcultures and
interact with others having similar backgrounds,
experiences, attitudes, values, beliefs and lifestyles.
Successful Ageing : is a multi-dimensional concept that includes physical,
social and psychological well-being.
Dementia : is a general term for loss of memory, and other thinking
abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily
life.

14.11 ANSWERS TO SELF ASSESSMENT

QUESTIONS
Answers to Self Assessment Questions 1
1. Ageism refers to the negative perception, attitude and treatment of the elderly
mainly because of their age.
2. Chronological ageing is the age of the person in years from the time one is
born, whereas Biological ageing is the effect of ageing on one’s physiological
systems, as physiological age is the changes in individual’s organismic
structure and functions.
3. Vanprasth Ashram
Answers to Self Assessment Questions 2
1. Disengagement theory proposes that the individual would disengage from
one’s active life as they become older.
2. ego integrity vs. despair
3. Successful ageing is a multi-dimensional concept that includes physical, social
and psychological well-being.
4. The three main components of successful ageing are, (a) avoiding disease
and disability, (b) maintaining high cognitive and physical functioning, and
(c) engagement with life.

14.12 UNIT END QUESTIONS

1) Describe theories of successful ageing.
2) Describe different types of ageing.
3) Define successful ageing and its components.
4) Briefly discuss predictors of successful ageing.
5) Discuss different strategies to promote successful ageing.
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Role of Psychology in Positive
Growth Across Life Span 14.13 REFERENCES AND FURTHER LEARNING
RESOURCES
 Grassman, E. J., &Whitaker, A. (2013). Ageing with Disability. A Lifecourse
Perspective. (Eds.) Bristol: Policy Press.
 Modi, I. (2001). Ageing and Human Development: Global Perspectives. New
Delhi. Rawat Publications.
 Rudnicka, E., Napierała, P., Podfigurna, A., Męczekalski, B., Smolarczyk,
R., &Grymowicz, M. (2020). The World Health Organization (WHO)
approach to healthy ageing. Maturitas, 139, 6–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/
j.maturitas.2020.05.018
 Ryan, P., &Coughlan, B.J. (2011). Ageing and older adult mental health:
Issues and implications for practice. (Eds.)Routledge, Taylor & Francis
Group.
 Siegler, I. C., Bosworth, H. B., & Poon, L. W. (2003). Disease, health, and
aging. In R. M. Lerner, M. A. Easterbrooks, & J. Mistry (Eds.), Handbook of
psychology: Developmental psychology, Vol. 6 (p. 423–442). John Wiley &
Sons, Inc.
 Stowe, J. D., & Cooney, T. M. (2015). Examining Rowe and Kahn’s Concept
of Successful Aging: Importance of Taking a Life Course Perspective. The
Gerontologist, 55(1), 43–50. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnu055

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