Aging Successfully: The Key to Aging in Place

In their classic paper, Rowe and Kahn 1 Rowe J.W. Kahn R.L. Human aging: Usual and successful. Science. 1987; 237: 143-149 Crossref PubMed Scopus (2096) Google Scholar proposed a multidimensional understanding of successful aging, which was to a large extent due to genetic factors and a healthy lifestyle. There were 3 major components of successful aging: limited disease-associated disability, high cognitive and physical function, and continued engagement with life. More recently, they have expanded this model to include a greater focus on social factors. 2 Rowe J.W. Kahn R.L. Successful Aging 2.0: Conceptual expansions for the 21st century. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2015; 70: 593-596 Crossref PubMed Scopus (317) Google Scholar In our Journal, Young et al 3 Young Y. Frick K.D. Phelan E.A. Can successful aging and chronic illness coexist in the same individual? A multidimensional concept of successful aging. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2009; 10: 87-92 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (182) Google Scholar , 4 Young Y. Fan M.Y. Parrish J.M. Frick K.D. Validation of a novel successful aging construct. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2009; 10: 314-322 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (25) Google Scholar argued that chronic illnesses and disease can coexist with successful aging. At Saint Louis University, we have argued that to distinguish these 2 viewpoints, “aging successfully” should be used to distinguish those older persons who have overcome disease and disability to have a productive third age. 5 Morley J.E. Successful aging or aging successfully. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2009; 10: 85-86 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (19) Google Scholar Artistic examples of this include Grandma Moses, who took up painting miniatures when arthritis prevented her from making quilts; Lee Allen, whose macular degeneration allowed him to create paintings with holes in them; Renoir, who painted with the brush held in a clenched hand when arthritis crippled his fingers; Monet, whose cataracts created modern impressionism; and Matisse, whose arthritis led to his famous paper cutouts.