scholarly journals Sustainable Aging and Leisure Behaviors: Do Leisure Activities Matter in Aging Well?

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2348
Author(s):  
Hyejin Yoon ◽  
Lesa Huber ◽  
Chulwon Kim
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Productive Aging ◽  
Academic Fields ◽  
Aging Well ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Exercise Promotion ◽  
The Relationship

A substantial portion of the gerontological literature has been directed towards the relationship between leisure and aging, particularly with the healthy life of older adults. The concept of leisure conveys varied meanings to persons, including identifying the leisure itself, the activity’s frequency, and its value to the participant. With increased longevity, the concept of aging well and related terms (e.g., “active aging”, “successful aging”, “productive aging”, “positive aging”, “healthy aging”, and “sustainable aging”) have been emerging themes for academic fields related to gerontology, exercise promotion, health care, and leisure activities. Thus, the aging population and human leisure activities must be considered sustainable as sustainability is primarily human-centered. This study explores older adults’ perceptions of leisure and aging well and their leisure behavior at senior welfare centers using qualitative data collection and methodology. Findings suggest that four main themes emerge: unfamiliarity with the concept of leisure and leisure engagement; evolving perceptions of senior centers and leisure benefits; limited physical functioning as a major leisure constraint; perceptions of major factors for aging well. Implications for researchers and policymakers are discussed.

Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wojtek J. Chodzko-Zajko
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Improve Quality ◽  
Reduce Risk

For more than half a century fellows of the National Academy of Kinesiology have enthusiastically advocated for the promotion and adoption of physically active lifestyles as an affordable and effective means to prevent chronic diseases and conditions, and enhance independence and high quality of life for older adults. It is possible to discern distinct evolutionary stages when examining scholarship related to the role of physical activity in the promotion of healthy aging. Research into physical activity and aging began with critical early studies that established the underlying scientific evidence for a relationship between physical activity and healthy aging. More recent work has addressed such topics as building consumer demand, developing policies and legislation to support active aging, and understanding the complex interrelationships between physical activity and other lifestyle factors in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases and conditions. It is increasingly apparent that strategies to promote active and successful aging must be integrated into an effective public policy. Kinesiologists and other health professionals, working in collaboration with colleagues from other disciplines, can help to reduce risk factors for chronic disease and improve quality of life for older adults by building awareness of the importance of physical activity and by assisting with the development and implementation of appropriate and effective interventions that reduce risk factors and improve quality of life.

scholarly journals Relative Importance of Positive Aging Dimensions Among Latino Older Adults and Service Providers

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 342-343
Author(s):  
Jennifer Smith ◽  
Cate O’Brien ◽  
Joseph Bihary
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Positive Aging ◽  
Healthy Behaviors ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Positive Outlook ◽  
Latino Older Adults

Abstract The variation in Latino older adults’ conceptualizations of positive aging across studies suggests greater attention should be paid to within-group factors. The purpose of the current study was to identify which factors are important to positive aging from the perspective of Latino older adults, and whether the importance of these factors varied based on participant characteristics. A second aim of this study was to examine whether there are differences in views of successful aging between Latino older adults and service providers who support aging Latinos. The current study was conducted as part of a broader research project investigating Latino older adults’ perceptions of positive aging. Latino older adults (n = 93) and aging services providers (n = 45) rated the importance of a series of statements related to positive aging. Mixed-methods analysis of the statements identified nine distinct dimensions (Positive Outlook, Spirituality/Religion, Healthy Behaviors, Independence, Self-Care, Support for Others, Social Support, Leisure Activities, and Adaptability). Latino older adults rated Positive Outlook and Spirituality highest on importance, and ratings differed based on gender and other individual difference characteristics. For example, men placed greater relative importance on Independence and Support for Others compared to women, and younger participants rated Independence higher on importance compared to older participants. In addition, Latino older adults (vs. providers) placed greater importance on all aspects of positive aging, with greatest mean differences related to providing Support for Others and Spirituality. These findings have implications for wellness programs for Latino older adults and training for service providers.

scholarly journals Successful Aging: Perceptions of Adults Aged between 70 and 101 Years

2003 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 223-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tess Knight ◽  
Lina A. Ricciardelli
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Aging Perceptions

In this research, content analysis was employed to investigate older adults' perceptions of successful aging and the relationship of these perceptions to definitions given in the literature to date. Participants were 18 males and 42 females between the ages of 70 and 101 years. Analyses revealed older adults mentioned only 1 or 2 criteria of successful aging if asked for a definition; however, when prompted, they rated almost all the criteria emerging from the literature as highly important. Participants reported adjusting to the situations they were in by compensating for losses that occurred and selecting activities that best suited their capabilities. Overall, older adults' perceptions of successful aging were similar to aspects identified in the literature. Not all aspects, however, were seen as important by all participants, and only low to moderate correlations were found between some aspects of successful aging.

scholarly journals Daily Activity Engagement Predicts More Positive Affect Especially on Days When a Person Feels Young

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 908-909
Author(s):  
Erica O'Brien ◽  
Shevaun Neupert
Keyword(s):  
Negative Affect ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Subjective Age ◽  
Activity Engagement ◽  
Prior Literature ◽  
Age Range ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Engagement in a wide array of mental, social, and physical leisure activities confers several health benefits. Indeed, theories of successful aging argue that an active lifestyle serves as an important criterion for maintaining high levels of psychological, functional, and physical well-being in old age. Findings from parallel studies also show that people who hold positive (self-)views of aging exhibit higher and maintained levels of well-being over time. Yet, whether views of aging enhances the link between activity engagement and well-being - and whether they do so on a daily basis – remains unknown. This study therefore sought to extend prior literature by examining the relationship between activity engagement, subjective age, and affective ratings within-person over several days. Old adults (N = 115; Age: Range = 60 – 90, M = 64.65, SD = 4.86) in the Mindfulness and Anticipatory Coping Every Day (MACED) study completed an 8-day daily diary. Participants reported on their positive and negative affect, the age they subjectively felt compared to their actual age, and the number and types of leisure activities in which they engaged. Results from multilevel analyses indicate that people felt more positive on days when they also engaged in more activities (total across mental, social, physical types) than usual. Moreover, the effect of activity engagement was most pronounced on days when people felt younger than usual. No effects were found for negative affect. Preliminary findings suggest that people benefit psychologically from daily leisure activities and a positive self-view of aging.

scholarly journals A QUALITATIVE REVIEW OF OLDER ADULT PERSPECTIVES ON HEALTHY AGING IN THE CIRCUMPOLAR NORTH

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S264-S265
Author(s):  
Britteny M Howell ◽  
Jennifer R Peterson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
The United States ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Cultural Research ◽  
Circumpolar North ◽  
Personal Resilience

Abstract Cross-cultural research has shown marked variation in health outcomes across the world’s older adult populations. Indeed, older adults in the Circumpolar North experience a variety of health disparities. Because aging is a biological process rooted in sociocultural context, there exists great variation in the ways older adults define and experience healthy, or “successful,” aging in their communities. The aim of this analysis was to synthesize qualitative research among older residents (aged 50+ years) in the Circumpolar North to identify a definition of healthy aging common in the region. The Circumpolar North is defined as the Arctic and subarctic regions of Canada, Finland, Denmark, Greenland & the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States. A thorough review was conducted across a variety of academic search databases for peer-reviewed, qualitative studies conducted among community-dwelling older adults. The search strategy initially identified 194 articles; 22 articles met the inclusion criteria. Included studies were coded and analyzed using Grounded Theory to examine underlying themes of healthy aging in the Circumpolar North. The findings reveal the importance older adults place on incorporating social, environmental, and personal resilience factors into multidimensional models of healthy aging. This research also highlights the need for increased translational research with populations in the Circumpolar North that are under-represented in the gerontological literature.

Successful Aging

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dilip Jeste ◽  
Jeanne Maglione
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Biological Aging ◽  
Medical Illness ◽  
Key Words Aging ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Different Populations ◽  
Multiple Domains

The number of older adults in our society is increasing rapidly. Aging is complex and may occur at varying rates across multiple domains, including biological aging, cognitive aging, and emotional aging. Age-related medical conditions are now among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among older adults, making healthy aging a major public health priority. Successful aging encompasses more than longevity, medical health, or freedom from disability. It can be viewed as a multidimensional construct including minimization of disability and medical illness combined with maximization of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning. We review the current literature regarding successful aging. We also discuss strategies to improve the likelihood of successful aging and several key advances, such as definitions of successful aging in different populations, neuroplasticity of aging, wisdom as an empirical construct, the concept of a good (or successful) death, and the development of age-friendly communities.  This review contains 3 figures, 5 tables, and 53 references. Key words: aging, elderly, older adult, successful aging, successful aging interventions

scholarly journals Aging With Vision Loss: A Framework for Assessing the Impact of Visual Impairment on Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 60 (6) ◽  
pp. 989-995 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bonnielin K Swenor ◽  
Moon J Lee ◽  
Varshini Varadaraj ◽  
Heather E Whitson ◽  
Pradeep Y Ramulu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Common Causes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Negative Health Outcomes ◽  
Multiple Intervention

Abstract There is limited research examining the impact of visual impairment (VI) on older adults while considering the complexities of aging, leaving gaps in our understanding of how health consequences of VI might be averted. We created a framework integrating concepts from disability, geriatrics, and ophthalmology that conceptualizes how VI challenges successful aging. Here, VI influences multiple functional domains, and increases the risk of negative health outcomes. This model acknowledges that common causes, such as risk factors that affect eyes and other systems simultaneously, may also drive the relationship between VI and health outcomes. Finally, the model highlights how the impact of VI on aging outcomes can be addressed at multiple intervention points.

scholarly journals Playability and Player Experience in Digital Games for Elderly: A Systematic Literature Review

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (14) ◽  
pp. 3958
Author(s):  
Antonio Rienzo ◽  
Claudio Cubillos
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Digital Games ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Psychomotor Skills ◽  
Player Experience ◽  
Exercise Promotion

A higher number of people increasingly uses digital games. This growing interest in games, with different objectives, justifies the investigation of some aspects and concepts involved, such as product quality (game), usability, playability, and user or player experience, topics investigated by the multidisciplinary area called Human–Computer Interaction (HCI). Although the majority of users of these games are children and young people, an increasing number of older adults join technology and use different types of digital games. Several studies establish the increase in learning, socialization and exercise promotion, and cognitive and psychomotor skills improvement, all within the context of active and healthy aging. The objective of this work is to carry out a systematic literature review investigating the player experience of the elderly in digital games. The work allowed answering five research questions that were formulated. The evolution and maturity level of the research area are studied together with the research methods used. The factors that motivate adults to play were also analyzed; what are the recommended technical characteristics for games and some tools and metrics with which games are evaluated for older adults? Research gaps were detected in the area; there are not many specific studies on playability and player experience applied to the older adult, nor are there proven tools and metrics to evaluate them. Particular techniques for assessing and designing games focused on older adults are lacking, and quantitative studies that better identify the factors that affect the playability and experience of older adults in digital games.

scholarly journals A National Longitudinal Study of Partnered Sex, Relationship Quality, and Mental Health Among Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (8) ◽  
pp. 1772-1782
Author(s):  
Yan Zhang ◽  
Hui Liu
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Life Course Perspective ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Sexual Frequency ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Objectives We worked from a life course perspective to examine the relationship between partnered sex and older adults’ trajectories of mental health as well as the potential mediating role of relationship quality in this association. Method We analyzed nationally representative data from three waves of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (2005/2006 to 2015/2016). The sample included 1,911 married and cohabiting respondents aged 57 to 85 at the baseline survey. We examined four factors related to partnered sex: being sexually active, sexual frequency, feeling okay with sexual frequency, and sexual quality. Mental health was measured by self-rated poor mental health, unhappiness, and psychological distress. The relationship quality measures considered both relationship support and relationship strain. Results Results from mixed-effects models suggest that being sexually active, having sex more frequently, feeling okay with sexual frequency, and reporting better sexual quality were all related to better mental health outcomes. Relationship quality partially explained the effects of sex on mental health. Discussion This study highlights the importance of sex for mental health and relationship quality among older adults. The findings have implications for health policy and programs that seek to promote healthy aging.

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