The Role of psychosocial factors in self-rated successful ageing: a sample of Lithuanian elderly people

Abstract

Background: Successful ageing has been one of the most popular concepts in the gerontological literature over the last few years. At present, there is no universally accepted definition of what the term “successful ageing“ means, and which factors are associated with it. Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the role of psychological and social factors in self-rated successful ageing in older adults in Lithuania. Method: The subjects of the study were 396 older adults. The mean age of the respondents was 67,1 ± 5,8 (age range 60-84). Methods: Data were collected using Self-Rated Successful Aging Scale [1]; Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity [2]; Activity and Psychological Well-Being in Older People Scale [3]; A Short Scale for Measuring Social Support in the Elderly [4]; Geriatric Spiritual Well-Being Scale [5]; The Satisfaction With Life Scale [6]; Subjective Age Identity Scale [7]. Results: The results of the study showed that older adults characterized as more subjective successful agers had a significantly higher level of social and physical activity, social support, life satisfaction, happiness, spirituality, satisfaction with the living standards, younger subjective age identity, better self-rated health. The better self-rated health, younger subjective age identity, higher level of life satisfaction, intellectual social activity and learning, better subjective eating habits, higher number of grandchildren and having a job were the best independent predictive factors of self-rated successful ageing. Conclusions: The study confirms research findings on multidimensional approach of successful ageing. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to highlight the causes of successful ageing.