From Successful Ageing to Ageing Well: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Since the term "successful ageing" was coined, diverse models and theories conceptualizing what it means to age successfully have been proposed. The current article outlines evidence suggesting that the use of "success" in conjunction with "ageing" is contentious, and thus, "ageing well" is recommended as an alternative term. This article also highlights the lack of consistency in approaches to successful ageing and argues for a more inclusive conceptualization of ageing well. To achieve this, the current article summarizes the fundamental characteristics of several popular models of ageing successfully, demonstrating the unique contributions of each and highlighting recurring themes. The most common themes in existing models of successful ageing include the importance of engaging in social relationships, good cognitive and physical functioning, the avoidance of disease and disability, and resilience. Although commonalities exist, a consensus regarding an accepted definition of successful ageing is yet to be reached. To illustrate the need for consensus, policy approaches to support ageing populations by several governments are compared, highlighting the need for researchers to provide clearer guidance to policy-makers. In addition, not all existing models are sensitive to the diversity of the ageing population, further emphasizing the need to reconsider what it means to age well. The development of a consensus understanding of ageing well will improve the ability of researchers, as well as policy-makers and client-facing workers, to effectively target areas that contribute to, and improve, individuals' ability to age well.

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