Running Head: CONCEPT ANALYSIS DRAFT; SUCCESSFUL AGING

Concept Analysis Draft ; Successful Aging

Mary Gathaiya

Regis College
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Concept Analysis Draft

The number of older adults in our community has continued to increase, and therefore we

need to focus more on the well-being of geriatric care needs. Successful aging is a complicated

and multifaceted concept that varies contextually among individuals, disciplines and even time.

According to gerontologists, a successful aged person is a person who his or her mental well-

being, spirit and physical health is intact. A person’s value mostly influences successful aging,

and experiences as well as their views. In nursing, the concept of successful aging is a vital topic

that could help nurses educate the community on the best practices that could enhance successful

aging. Therefore, concept analysis helps in identifying the defining attributes of successful aging.

The analysis process is beneficial because it can help a researcher or nurse students understand

successful aging from a broad scope that is congruent with holistic nursing practice. The

primary objective of this concept analysis is to understand successful aging as well as identify

both the negative and positive factors for aging successfully.

Key Words: Aging, Successful aging, Lifestyle and concept analysis.

Literature Review

As identified earlier the number of the aged has been increasing over the past years, and

it is, therefore, essential for the health care facilities to take charge in educating the community

on the practices, they could use to enhance successful aging (Rowe & Kahn, 2015). Aging means

to become old that is showing the features of increasing age. In a deeper meaning, aging is the

frequent changes in an organism, tissue or a cell thus leading to a decrease in functional capacity,

associated with the changes. On the other hand, successful is the degree of succeeding or

attainment of wealth, favor and good health. Thus, successful aging has been defined by the
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World Health Organization as the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability

that enables well-being in older age. The encyclopedia aging dictionary defines successful aging

as living long, healthy and happy. Another dictionary defines successful aging as a favorable

outcome as viewed by a person and his or her ability to come with the changes that might come

hand in hand with an increase in age. Other scholars have also defined the concept as growing

older with maximum physical, mental and social wellbeing as a result of our daily lifestyle

choices, rather than capitulating to illness and poor health through inattention to our own needs

(Rowe & Kahn, 2015). Therefore, this is a great concept because we shall all get old and to

enhance longevity, happy and healthy we need to eliminate and consider some of our daily

activities that may hinder or promote our aging period. Besides, for a person to age successfully,

he or she needs to enhance their flexibility and adaptation in responses to changes in health and

functioning that are inevitable as they age. Theories have shown that some changes might affect

a person especially emotionally when they mature. Such changes include memory loss, eyesight

loss, hearing loss as well as inability to perform activities of daily living. However, we all have

different changes as well as individual paths. As a result, gerontologists over that past years have

identified issues such as privileges or disadvantages across the lifespan thus being able to address

some of the diversity issues among older adults thus enhancing optimal aging. For example,

being satisfied with your past and present life has been the most common definition of successful

aging. While successful aging is termed to have components that include courage, morale,

autonomy and self-efficacy and wellbeing, the outcome of one’s development over their lifespan

is done so by utilizing past experiences to cope with present circumstances. Therefore, it can be

seen that successful aging is a multidimensional, particularized dynamic process.

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A biomedical field, literature focuses on identifying the importance of physical abilities

to successful aging. A research conducted by Almeida, Khan, Hankey, Yeap, Golledge & Flicker

(2014) defined successful aging the term for Both longevity and freedom from vital medical

morbidity. Martin, Kelly, Kahana, Willcox, Wilcox and Poon (2014) defined successful aging as

elements of health status, accessing the impact of sedentary behavior and physical activities on

illness and mortality rate among the older adults. Also, a research by McCrthy & Bockweg

(2013) focused on determing the importance of successful aging, highlighting the both positive

and negative impact of factors that could enhance successful aging among the older adult thus

enhancing their well-being. Overall, a researcher conducted by Cosco …et. al. (2015) defined

successful aging as both the biomedical and psychosocial factors, the physical and cognitive

functioning and the personal resources a person has as well as how he or she perceives

themselves.

In pychology, Morack, Fauth, Ram and Gerstorf (2013) focused on identifying the factors

that could affect successful aging. Their definition of the concept focused on the sustained

occurrence of high-level functioning regarding to a person’s memory, social activities and the

methods used to cope with depression. In yet another study by Cheng, 2014, he distinguishes

successful aging as a pathway versus an outcome of treatment and intervention thus criticizing

previous biomedical models that bids successful aging with the absence or presence of risk

factors.

Defining Attributes

Identifying the defining attributes of successful aging enhances the “broadest insight to

the concept,” (Martin, Kelly, Kahana, Kahana, Willcox, Willcox & Poon). After a thorough
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search, the defining attributes for successful aging are focused on desired or favorable outcomes,

cumulative changes that are connected with physical changes, and the purpose and meaning in

life. The first defining attribute is the desired or favorable outcome. Most of the older adults are

not living their dreams in life mainly due to lack of enough capital or health problems. A person

may desire to be independent, but due to health issues, he or she ends up being dependent on

others for help. The second attribute is the cumulative changes. The changes can be severe such

that an older adult cannot be able to perform his or her activities of daily living. Finally, when a

person gets old, he or he does not see the purpose and meaning in life. Most of them are

desperate due to either health problems or even lack of enough capital to sustain them. So as

nurses it is our role to identify the attributes as well as determining how we can educate or help

the community deal with aging. Other characteristics include longevity, adaptability, coping

skills, fear of getting old as well as fear of dying and menopause. Several changes happen in

women, and we find that most women get depression during the menopause stage. This is

usually motivated by fear of dying and the realization that they are getting old. It is, therefore,

crucial to always educate them on the changes they might experience and remind them that death

is the path we all heading to. Besides, it is our role as nurses to educate them on what to eat, what

do thus stay healthy and fearless. Overall, I can conclude that successful aging can be a success

if we consider and focus on enhancing the three attributes stated earlier.

Defining the Concept

Regarding the defining attribute, the idea of successful aging can be described as being

able to achieve the desired outcome, ability to deal with cumulative changes that are linked up

with physical deterioration and ability to identify the purpose and meaning of life. As we get
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old, we should try our best to achieve the best in life through working extra smart and also

accepting that we are growing old. Also, a person needs to know the meaning of life. Most

people are living for the sake of living, and this affects their aging process. Some of them even

opt to commit suicide or engage themselves in bad lifestyle that could change their health status

in the future. For example, a person needs to know the effect of smoking or taking alcohol not

only in the short run but also in the long term. Overall, getting old is not a sign of dying; instead,

it is an opportunity to learn more and live a happy life.

Case Examples

Model Case

Avant and Walker (2011) define model case an event that describes the situation or ideas

exactly. A model is anything or an item that a person can relate to and should come first in a

study. A model case helps a researcher to understand the concept clearly. An example of a model

case can be a case of Mrs. Y 60-year-old lady, whose husband died three years ago. She says that

she was always thankful for her children who have always been by her side since the death of her

husband. She also adds that getting old is a gift but is usually accompanied by health conditions

that need more attention. After the death of her husband, she attended a program that helped her

cope with death as well as embracing that she is getting old. To enhance a happy, healthy life,

she ensures that she takes a balanced diet as well as exercising daily. Mrs. Y continues by saying

that some house chores are sometimes, but she appreciates the fact that her children have hired a

nanny who keeps her company as well as helping her in her day to day activities. From the case,

Mrs. Y is aware of her aging process, and she has been able to cope with cumulative physical

changes. She is also appreciative of her current life, and she continues to say that she desired to
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grow old together with her husband, but death took him. However, she believes that her husband

is still watching over her and she feels his presence whenever she is lonely. Overall, she

concludes by saying that her significant dreams in life is to see her great-grandchildren.

Borderline Case

A borderline case is a situation that contains some of the defining attributes of the

concept being analyzed (Walker & Avant 2011). In an example, consider a Mr. W who is

seventy years have resisted medication saying that he is not sick and can perform his daily

activities with no assistance. However, he staggers when walking, but when he is about to fall, he

shouts to the aide saying that “am okay, I do not need your help.” He evens says that he

celebrated his birthday the other day and he believes that he has attained his desired outcome and

has experienced cumulative changes that have resulted in his current situation. However, Mr. W

is very social with everyone but does not require their help. Overall, he still mourns his wife

death, and he believes that he will one day die and be with his wife. He does not see the meaning

of being alive without his wife.

Related Case

A related case is a situation that is related to the concept being studied that do not contain

all the defining attributes. Consider fifty-three old nurse who is well aware of the successful

aging defining characteristics but does not implement the attributes to her life. She is well aware

that her physical features are deteriorating but continues to engage in activities that might be

stressing to her. She lifts heavy items and even prefers doing the house chores all by herself other

than employing a nanny. She is living her best life but does not accept the fact that she is getting

old and that some task needs to be done by a younger person.

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Contrary Case

Contrary case is a situation that is an example of what is not the concept. Consider, Janet,

a forty-two-year-old lady whose leg was amputated two years ago and her two children have

always evaded being involved in her care of her. She is angry at herself and always manipulate

anyone who tries to help her. There is a nanny who has been hired to help her, but Janet always

makes sure that she irritates and disrespects her. She does not see any help of her being around.

However, to get the attention of her family, she threatens to commit suicide. Janet’s character

shows an example of a person who is dissatisfied by her life’s outcome, and she sees no purpose

of living.

Invented Case

An invented case contains ideas that are beyond our own experience and develop a real

picture of the defining attributes (Cheng, 2014). Death and aging are beyond our limits. Eric

fears that one day he might die. He also worries that one day he will not be able to perform the

activities of daily living. This affects his health has made him suffer from depression and stress.

He was currently diagnosed with stomach ulcers that were caused by fear and the coping skills

he uses to deal with aging. Other than socializing with fellow men and workmates, he prefers

sitting at his home watching the sunset. He owns a small farm that feeds his family, but due to

physical body changes he was not able to work in the farm full time and thus this season, the

farm product cannot sustain her family. Overall, Eric is not aware that he is growing old and that

he cannot be productive on the farm compared to other seasons.

Illegitimate Case
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An illegitimate case shows an inappropriate use of the concept (Avant & Walker, 2011).

In an example consider an old lady and she is seen at an outpatient diabetes center for education

and free supplies. The lady enjoys the company of the friendly staff but does not know her by

name. The lady just listens to the information given in order to receive free supplies so that she

does not have to pay out of pocket. If it weren’t for the supplies, the lady could not have visited

the center.

Antecedents and Consequences

Antecedents are defined as the events that occur before successful aging. For a person to

age successfully he or she must experience the aging process that includes cumulative changes

that are linked up with physical deterioration. Besides, during the aging process, a person should

have the ability to evaluate his or her life and determine whether he or she has aged successfully.

On the other hand, the consequences of aging are the ability to accept life and the fact that you

are growing old as well. Also, most people should be aware that getting old gives them an

opportunity to face the prospects of death without fear; thus, a spiritual dimension is elemental.

Empirical Referents

Referents are categories of actual phenomena that define the existence of the concept

itself (Cheng, 2014). Besides, the referents are commonly related to the defining attributes.

Therefore, a person’s successful aging can be measured by identifying his or her achievement

that is, was he or she able to attain their desired outcome, is he or she able to deal with

cumulative changes that might have led to his or her current physical issues, and does he or she

know their purpose and meaning in life. Overall, measures of successful aging include the

Satisfaction Index for the Third Age (LITSA) and the Successful Aging Questionnaire (Morack,
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Ram, Fauth & Gerstorf, 2013). The two tools are efficient in that they both measure different

elements of successful aging.

Summary

The primary purpose of this concept analysis was to study the defining attributed for

successful aging. This analysis has equipped the writer with more information on successful

aging. She has also been able to identify model, borderline, contrary and invented cases that have

helped her understand more on defining attributes. Also, she has listed the antecedents and

consequences as well as empirical referents which have helped her identify the tools that could

be used to measure successful aging. Overall, this study can be of great help to the nurses in

nursing homes as well as community health nurses who have a vital role in educating the

community on aging.
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References

Almeida, O. P., Khan, K. M., Hankey, G. J., Yeap, B. B., Golledge, J., & Flicker, L. (2014). 150

minutes of vigorous physical activity per week predicts survival and successful ageing: a

population-based 11-year longitudinal study of 12 201 older Australian men. Br J Sports

Med, 48(3), 220-225.

Cheng, S. T. (2014). Defining successful aging: the need to distinguish pathways from

outcomes. International Psychogeriatrics, 26(4), 527-531.

Cosco, T. D., Stephan, B. C., & Brayne, C. (2015). Validation of an a priori, index model of

successful aging in a population-based cohort study: the successful aging

index. International Psychogeriatrics, 27(12), 1971-1977.

Martin, P., Kelly, N., Kahana, B., Kahana, E., Willcox, B. J., Willcox, D. C., & Poon, L. W.

(2014). Defining successful aging: A tangible or elusive concept?. The Gerontologist,

55(1), 14-25.

McCarthy, V. L., Ling, J., & Carini, R. M. (2013). The role of self-transcendence: a missing

variable in the pursuit of successful aging?. Research in Gerontological Nursing.

Morack, J., Ram, N., Fauth, E. B., & Gerstorf, D. (2013). Multidomain trajectories of

psychological functioning in old age: A longitudinal perspective on (uneven) successful

aging. Developmental psychology, 49(12), 2309.

Rowe, J. W., & Kahn, R. L. (2015). Successful aging 2.0: Conceptual expansions for the 21st

century. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 70(4), 593-596.

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Successful Aging | Encyclopedia.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-

maps/successful-aging

Walker, L.O.& Avant, K.C. (2011). Strategies for theory construction in nursing. Boston:

Prentice Hall.

What is Healthy Ageing? (2018, February 08). Retrieved from

https://www.who.int/ageing/healthy-ageing/en/