Live Longest: Book 3: Successful Aging

SUCESSFUL AGING

DON'T DIE BEFORE YOU SHOULD

Concepts

1. Something beyond health & longevity: The 'good life' in late life - the capacity to function across all of life's parameters.

2. The Quality of Life and Death

3. Aging that is better than 'usual aging' - avoidance of declines in capacity & health

Successful Aging as Defined by people over 50 years

1. Health

2. Psychological factors

3. Social roles and activities

4. Finances

5. Social relationships

6. Neighbourhood

Constituents

Medical: Life expectancy, life satisfaction and well being (includes happiness and contentment), mental and psychological health, cognitive function, personal growth, learning new things, physical health and functioning, independent functioning, psychological characteristics and resources including perceived autonomy, control, independence, adaptability, coping, self esteem, positive outlook, goals, sense of self, social, community, leisure activities, integration and participation, social networks, support, participation, activity

Elderly concerns: Accomplishments, enjoyment of diet, financial security, neighbourhood, physical appearance, productivity and contributions to life, sense of humour, sense of purpose, spirituality.