Description

Bowling and Dieppe listed criteria for describing a person's success in aging. These include elements that matter to the elderly. The authors are from University College London and the University of Bristol.


 

Criteria based on theoretical definitions:

(1) life expectancy

(2) life satisfaction, well-being, contentment, happiness

(3) mental and psychological health

(4) cognitive function

(5) personal growth and learning new things

(6) physical health and functioning, being independent

(7) psychological resources (self-esteem, coping, adaptability, autonomy, control, positive outlook, sense of self)

(8) integration and participation in social, community and leisure activities

(9) social networks and support

 

Criteria based on lay definitions:

(1) accomplishments

(2) enjoyment of diet

(3) financial security (and independence)

(4) neighborhood (and community)

(5) physical appearance

(6) productivity and making a contribution

(7) sense of humor

(8) sense of purpose

(9) spirituality

 

where:

• Some items from the second group can be integrated with the first group.

• Since of the criteria are based on self-perceived levels.

• As with any complex system, success requires adequacy in all or almost all factors. One or two poor levels of performance can significantly impair the whole.

 

These can be made into a score by grading the items.

Quality

Points

excellent

4

good

3

fair

2

subpar

1

poor

0

 


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