Rowe and Kahn (1987) defined “successful aging”

/in /by

Rowe and Kahn (1987) defined “successful aging” as

  • 1) being free from disability or disease,
  • 2) having high cognitive and physical functioning
  • 3) having meaningful relationships. What is wrong with this definition of successful aging?

Can a person with a disability age successfully? How about a person with dementia?

Based on your review of the learning resources, how would you define successful aging? Be sure to cite the evidence that supports your definition.

Toomey links successful aging with the Japanese word “ikigai,” which means “having a purpose in life.” Do you agree that purpose is essential to successful aging, or do you think that one can age successfully without it? Do you have an “ikigai?”