{"id":94,"date":"2019-04-02T09:51:29","date_gmt":"2019-04-02T15:51:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/positiveagers.com\/?p=94"},"modified":"2023-11-30T19:43:29","modified_gmt":"2023-11-30T19:43:29","slug":"what-is-positive-ageing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/positiveagers.com\/?p=94","title":{"rendered":"What is Positive Aging"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A nice simple definition of positive ageing from the Positive Aging Strategy 2016\u2013 2026, Wingecarribee Shire Council, Australia<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/www.wsc.nsw.gov.au\/uploads\/3231\/positive-ageing-strategy-2016-2026.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Positive Aging is the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It embraces the notion that individuals have opportunities and choices allowing them to maximize independence and control their own lives. Common characteristics of positive and active aging include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\uf0b7 A whole-of-community, whole-of-life, multiple activity approach to ageing;
\uf0b7 A broad view of ageing that incorporates the constant aiming for and achievement of maximum quality of life; and
\uf0b7 A focus on the opportunities and challenges available to people as they grow older rather than considering ageing as a community problem.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Essentially, positive aging is about people getting the most out of life, remaining fully active, empowered and in control of their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From What is Positive Aging? 10 Tips to Promote the Positive Aspects of Aging on <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/positivepsychologyprogram.com\/positive-aging\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Positive Aging?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is an interesting question. Worldwide cultures don\u2019t define it the same way. Those who revere their elders look to them for wisdom and guidance. These cultures don\u2019t see their elders as a burden or hinderance. They respect them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other cultures \u2014 those who value youth and physical beauty more than the wisdom that can come with age \u2014 have a different perspective. Oftentimes, it\u2019s those in this group who choose to fight aging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aging is inevitable. We all know this to be true, but as you continue reading, you will learn that some people believe aging is a disease. They believe it\u2019s curable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For now, though, here are a few current definitions of positive aging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The UK<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A way of living rather than a state of being \u2013 http:\/\/positiveageing.org.uk\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Australia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe process of maintaining a positive attitude, feeling good about yourself, keeping fit and healthy, and engaging fully in life as you age<\/em>\u201d. \u2013 Positive Psychology Institute<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Zealand<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPositive aging reflects the attitudes and experiences older people have about themselves and how younger generations view the process of aging. It takes into account the health, financial security, independence, self-fulfillment, personal safety and living environment of older New Zealanders.<\/em>\u201d \u2013 Ministry of Social Development<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The U.S.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSuccessful aging is multidimensional, encompassing the avoidance of disease and disability, the maintenance of high physical and cognitive function, and sustained engagement in social and productive activities.<\/em>\u201d \u2013 Rowe & Kahn, 1997<\/p>\n\n\n\n

World Health Organization (WHO)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Japan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJapanese conceptions of aging are rooted in Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist philosophical traditions that characterize aging as maturity. Old age is thus understood as a socially valuable part of life, even a time of \u201cspring\u201d or \u201crebirth\u201d after a busy period of working and raising children.<\/em>\u201d \u2013 Karasawa, Curhan, Markus, Kitayama, Love, Radler, & Ryff (2011)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

China<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe criteria are sufficiently inclusive, encompassing physical health, mental health, social engagement, and nutritional status, which in principle are in conformity with both the WHO definition and the Rowe and Kahn model.<\/em>\u201d \u2013 Zhou, Liu, & Yu (2018) referencing the Chinese health criteria for the elderly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eastern Europe<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cActive aging is concerned with facilitating the rights of older people to remain healthy (reducing the costs of health and social care), remain in employment longer (reducing pension costs), while also participating in community and political life.<\/em>\u201d \u2013 Foster & Walker (2015)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Successful aging and active aging aren\u2019t defined the same way worldwide. The former tends to follow the definition put forth by Rowe & Kahn (1997). The latter is akin to a life course-oriented perspective (Foster & Walker, 2015). See the section titled, \u201cPositive Aging Theories\u201d later in this article. Also, note that positive aging is closer to the definition of active aging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These terms are sometimes used interchangeably. So, it\u2019s good to know where the research originates. Other terms you might read are healthy aging, positive aging, productive aging, and competent aging (Foster & Walker, 2015). Again, each differs in meaning, but successful and active aging dominate the research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

World Health Organization (WHO) Healthy Aging <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/www.who.int\/ageing\/healthy-ageing\/en\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

WHO defines Healthy Ageing \u201cas the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in older age<\/strong>\u201d. Functional ability is about having the capabilities that enable all people to be and do what they have reason to value<\/strong>. This includes a person\u2019s ability to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n