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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Matthew Prina, Professor Bloss Stephan, Professor Carol Brayne
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Background and Objectives: To date, there is no consensus definition of successful ageing (SA). In the literature, conceptualisations of SA are generally researcher-driven operational definitions or layperson perspectives. The current study aims to systematically review and compare quantitative operational definitions of SA with qualitative, layperson perspectives of SA.Methods: PubMed, PsycInfo, ISI Web of Knowledge, Em Base and ClNAHL databases were searched using the words "successful ageing" and related terms. Peer-reviewed studies positing quantifiable operational definitions of SA were included, as were studies that conducted exploratory qualitative study of layperson perspectives of SA.Results: Marked differences in the focus of SA conceptualizations between researchers and laypersons were revealed. Qualitative studies demonstrated a greater emphasis on psychosocial aspects of SA, such as attitude whilst quantitative studies were generally biomedically focused, e.g. physical functioning/disability.Conclusions: Little concordance in classification of SA is found across the two perspectives such that an individual may be simultaneously classified as unsuccessfully ageing from a biomedical approach and successfully ageing from a layperson perspective. Most studies have been conducted in North America and the UK using non-clinical populations, resulting in limitations on generalizability. Alternative perspectives of SA must be taken into consideration in the practical application of SA.
Author(s): Cosco TD, Prina AM, Perales J, Stephan BCM, Brayne C
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: European Journal of Psychiatry
Year: 2014
Volume: 28
Issue: 2
Pages: 124-130
Print publication date: 01/01/2014
ISSN (print): 0213-6163
Publisher: Universidad de Zaragoza
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0213-61632014000200006
DOI: 10.4321/S0213-61632014000200006
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