This article, “What is Successful Aging,” was an interesting read that focused mostly on what is viewed as successful aging, the variables that determine successful aging, and how we as a society are trying to enhance the process today.
As the author points out, there are many features of life that people relate to successful aging, and the degree of satisfaction reached with each one is different with everyone. These features range from physical health to financial security, to simply staying active and social. I have two grandmothers who exhibit these features perfectly. My father’s mother turned 98 last week and her mind functions perfectly. She can hold her end of an intelligent conversation on almost any topic. However, she spends 95 percent of her day in bed and requires round the clock in home assistance because her body has become extremely frail. My mother’s mother is 87 years old and can walk and garden and essentially function on her own. She is very good at casting the illusion that she is in perfect condition. However, have a quick conversation with her and you quickly realize that she
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The author lists quite a few examples. In the controllable category are things such as smoking, drinking, and drug consumption. Neither of my grandmothers partook in any of these activities excluding the consumption of prescription medication. This certainly played a role in them reaching old age. The list of uncontrollable variables includes finances, and access to health care. My father’s mother was a poor immigrant and likely had poor medical care for a good portion of her young life, likely contributing to her bodies decline. Whereas, my physically healthy grandmother had well to do parents and ample access to health care her entire life. We do not all have the same opportunity to age well but to a degree, we can take matters into our own