Positive aging redefines success by focusing on resilience, growth & adaptability rather than just physical health.
Attitudes shape aging experiences & a positive mindset leads to better health & life satisfaction.
Physical, cognitive, emotional & social wellbeing all contribute to successful aging.
Having spent a large part of my career working with aging communities of one sort or another, I have had the privilege to witness all sorts of aging processes. The idea of positive aging is great when understood within a context that is real and balanced.
Historically, successful aging has been equated with physical vitality and independence. But is this definition inclusive or realistic for everyone?
In this article we explore what aging successfully really means. We cultivate a broader, more positive, and inclusive narrative. We acknowledge the realities and the opportunities that come with growing older.
Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Positive Aging Exercises for free. These practical, science-based exercises will equip you with tools to help yourself or your clients embrace aging as a season of growth, vitality, and continued self-discovery.
Why Should We Assign a New Meaning to “Successful Aging”?
Traditionally, models of successful aging have emphasized the absence of disease, high physical functioning, and continued productivity (Schulz & Heckhausen, 1996).
While these are commendable goals, they fail to capture the diverse experiences and challenges of aging. These traditional models, therefore, create a narrow view of successful aging (Stowe & Cooney, 2015).
This view in turn creates unrealistic expectations and risks fostering feelings of inadequacy in those who don’t fit the mold (Martin et al., 2015).
Assigning a new meaning to successful aging is about inclusivity (Martinson & Berridge, 2014). It’s about acknowledging and celebrating the richness of life that persists despite — and often because of — the challenges that aging brings. Success in aging should therefore also consider resilience, emotional growth, and the ability to adapt to new realities (Moore et al., 2015).
What Is the Concept of Positive Aging Then?
Positive aging shifts the focus from deficits to strengths (Deshpande et al., 1986). It is therefore not about resisting the aging process, but rather embracing it with optimism and intentionality.
This mindset prioritizes emotional, social, and spiritual growth alongside physical and cognitive health, emphasizing that aging is not merely surviving but thriving (Nakamura & Thomas, 2020).
Much like our beliefs in life in general, the beliefs we hold about aging can significantly shape our experiences (Hennessy, 2023). To better understand their impact, let’s critically examine the contrast between positive and negative beliefs.
Positive vs. negative beliefs about aging
Negative beliefs about aging often perpetuate stereotypes (Ng et al., 2015). Society frequently associates aging with decline, frailty, and irrelevance (Gilleard & Higgs, 2010). As you can imagine, these narratives can instill fear and reduce self-worth in older adults (Choi et al., 2017).
You may find that your older clients internalize these attitudes, resulting in avoidance of opportunities due to feeling “too old.” This avoidance can lead to isolation, diminished mental health, and even a shorter lifespan (Officer & De La Fuente-Núñez, 2018).
On the flip side, positive beliefs about aging highlight growth, wisdom, and contribution (Oxman, 2018). Older clients with these beliefs report higher life satisfaction and better health, as studies indicate that a positive attitude fosters resilience and engagement, countering physical and cognitive challenges (Bryant et al., 2012; Bar-Tur, 2021).
Critically, these beliefs can create a feedback loop: Negative views become self-fulfilling prophecies, while positive ones foster active, meaningful lives (Wurm et al., 2017).
As therapists, we must challenge societal narratives to evolve and emphasize the value of aging, using education and advocacy to promote a more enriching perspective for our clients (Diehl et al., 2020).
Positive aging explanation
At its core, positive aging is about living our life as a continuous journey of self-discovery and purpose (Joshanloo, 2023) and learning to adapt to changes while valuing the unique perspectives and contributions that come with age (Wiesmann et al., 2018). It is about cultivating a growth mindset that sees challenges as opportunities, recognizing that every phase of our life holds beauty and potential.
This video with Dr. David Lereah shares a detailed discussion of the ins and outs of positive aging, as well as great ideas about how you can support your aging clients.
How to age well: The power of positive aging with Dr. David Lereah
Examples of positive aging
The embodiment of positive aging can be found in those who live their lives with love, joy, optimism, and purpose until the very end (Bhattacharyya et al., 2024). They embrace a healthy lifestyle, maintain strong social connections, and have a positive mindset (Charles et al., 2021).
Heather Lee, a 96-year-old Australian Olympic master walker, is a prime example of positive aging. At 96 she holds world records for walking, and she’s happy and healthy to boot. This Australian Government Health clip tells her story beautifully.
Positive ageing - Heather's story
Several celebrities also embrace the idea of positive aging. Actresses like Jamie Lee Curtis, Andie McDowell, Julia Roberts, and Jane Seymour have all spoken out about the importance of changing the narrative. And, University World News has published an article featuring several Australian octogenarians who have graduated.
These are just a small sample of people who advocate for or epitomize the idea of positive aging. You can look far closer to home when working with clients by getting them to identify examples from their own families or communities.
Download 3 Free Positive Aging Exercises (PDF)
These practical, science-based exercises will equip you with tools to embrace aging as a season of growth, vitality, and continued self-discovery
If you’re supporting aging clients in your coaching practice, you may want to focus on these six key pillars.
1. Healthy lifestyle
Helping your clients maintain mobility, strength, and overall wellness through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and preventive care is crucial (Visser et al., 2018). These activities can and should be tailored to suit your clients’ interests and abilities.
2. Cognitive health & engagement
You can encourage your clients to stay mentally sharp through stimulating activities such as reading, puzzles, and learning new skills (Phillips, 2017). Your clients’ cognitive health will also benefit from mindfulness practices and stress reduction techniques (Querstret et al., 2020). Our article How to Improve Cognitive Function will also provide helpful suggestions.
3. Social connections
If you’re working with aging clients, you’ll be aware that loneliness is a significant challenge for older adults (Berg‐Weger & Morley, 2020). Working with aging clients to build and nurture relationships, whether through family, friends, or community groups, is vital for emotional and physical wellbeing (Charles et al., 2021).
4. Mindfulness & emotional wellbeing
Developing resilience, practicing mindfulness and self-compassion, and seeking purpose contribute to emotional health (De Souza et al., 2024). Encouraging activities like journaling, meditation, and reminiscence therapy can help your clients navigate emotional processes involved in aging (Gayner, 2019).
5. Spiritual growth
For many, spiritual growth, encompassing practices such as gratitude, community building, prayer, and mindfulness, is a significant aspect of positive aging (Sadler & Biggs, 2006). It can contribute to the mental and physical health, resilience, and overall wellbeing of your older clients (Crowther et al., 2002).
6. Financial security
While often overlooked, financial stability is an essential pillar (Ryou et al., 2023). Helping your clients plan for retirement can therefore reduce stress and allow focus on other aspects of positive aging.
5 Positive Psychological Perspectives on Aging Well
Positive psychology offers several perspectives on aging well. Here are five key perspectives that you can work on with your clients.
Strengths-based approach
Work with your client to identify and maximize their personal strengths. It will help them recognize their abilities and foster confidence and purpose (Van Woerkom & Meyers, 2018).
Gratitude and positivity
Encourage your clients to practice gratitude and maintain a positive outlook. It can improve their mental and physical health and promote resilience against age-related challenges (Salces-Cubero et al., 2019).
Growth mindset
Create a space for your client to view their aging as an opportunity for learning. Learning and development will encourage ongoing engagement and adaptability (Wu et al., 2021).
Emotional resilience
Cultivating resilience will help your client manage the grief, loss, and other adversities that arise for them in their later life (Cholbi, 2019).
Purpose and meaning
You can help clients maintain a sense of purpose to support wellbeing and enrich life satisfaction as they age (Guðmundsdóttir et al., 2023).
Although these positive psychology perspectives are clearly beneficial, you will need to balance positivity with the acknowledgment of your aging clients’ genuine challenges to remain inclusive and realistic.
How Attitude Influences Aging and Mental Health
It comes as no surprise that attitude plays a pivotal role in how we experience the aging process and how it impacts our physical and mental health (Bryant et al., 2012).
A positive mindset fosters resilience, better stress management, and improved physical recovery, while reducing the risk of depression (Gloria & Steinhardt, 2016).
On the other hand, negative attitudes often increase the likelihood of isolation and a diminished sense of purpose, exacerbating emotional and cognitive decline (Sun et al., 2020).
The transformative power of attitude lies in its ability to influence behaviors and outcomes, creating either a cycle of growth or stagnation (Lawton et al., 2009). Ultimately, adopting a positive perspective enhances quality of life and longevity (Bryant et al., 2012).
5 Challenges of Aging & How Positive Psychology Can Help
Your aging clients are likely to face various challenges such as physical health issues, emotional health decline, and changes in social roles (Bloom et al., 2015).
Positive psychology offers promising strategies to address these challenges by focusing on strengths, wellbeing, and personal growth in older adults (Ranzijn, 2002).
1. Physical and emotional health
Aging may bring physical health issues and poor emotional health, impeding quality of life and independence (Ayala et al., 2021). Positive psychology interventions, such as mindfulness and gratitude practices, can increase emotional resilience and improve overall wellbeing (Van Agteren et al., 2021).
2. Social role changes
Changing roles in older age can lead to loneliness, stress, and a need for adaptation (Leung et al., 2021). Programs that promote purpose and meaningful engagement, like volunteering or mentorship, may help older people adapt and find fulfillment in new roles (Gonzales et al., 2015).
3. Negative attitudes toward aging
Health and sensory problems can lead to negative attitudes about wellbeing, which can affect overall wellbeing (Brindle et al., 2015). Positive psychology practices that cultivate gratitude, humor, and hope can foster a more optimistic outlook on aging, countering negative stereotypes (Bryant et al., 2020).
4. Fear of death
Many older adults may experience anxiety about mortality (Younes et al., 2024). Mindfulness and meaning-centered practices can help to reframe death as a natural part of life (Choo et al., 2024).
5. Loneliness
Social isolation and resulting loneliness are some of the most difficult challenges faced by many older people (Cudjoe et al., 2018). Encouraging participation in community groups and social activities fosters connections and combats loneliness (Lindsay-Smith et al., 2018).
Bar-Tur’s (2021) Mental Fitness Program for Positive Aging is a good example of such programs.
Positive Aging Quotes & Books
Although the concept of positive aging as it is discussed here is fairly new, the idea of aging well or gracefully is far from it, and there are therefore several quotes and books about it that you may find interesting.
Quotes
“Aging — and its accompanying challenges — may be inevitable, but our later years do not need to be miserable.”
David Lereah, 2020, p. 1
“There is no escaping the tragedy of life, which is that we are all aging from the day we are born.”
Atul Gawande, 2014, p. 3
1. The Power of Positive Aging: Successfully Coping with the Inconveniences of Aging – David Alan Lereah
This excellent read provides practical advice about how to successfully cope with the physical and mental decline that accompanies aging.
Based on the author’s own journey through illness and aging, The Power of Positive Aging offers an easy-to-follow program of mental and spiritual exercises teaching mindfulness and acceptance, plus strategies for pursuing a balanced life and seeking and accepting social support.
It shows how simple lifestyle changes can transform your everyday experience, helping you to live more fully.
2. Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End – Atul Gawande
Being Mortal offers a new perspective on the traditional medical model of aging and aged care.
It provides examples of freer, more socially fulfilling models for assisting the infirm and dependent elderly, and Gawande explores the varieties of hospice care to demonstrate that a person’s last weeks or months can be rich and dignified.
Based on surprising research, this riveting story of aging asserts that medicine can comfort and enhance our experience even to the end, providing not only a good life but also a good end.
3. Successful Aging: A Neuroscientist Explores the Power and Potential of Our Lives – Daniel Levitin
Levitin explores what aging really means, using research from developmental neuroscience and the psychology of individual differences.
Successful Aging highlights resilience strategies and practical, cognitive-enhancing tricks everyone should do as they age. It is full of powerful insights that debunk the myth that memory always declines with age, confirm that “health span” — not “life span” — is what matters, and prove that our 60-plus years are a unique and new developmental stage.
It inspires a powerful new approach to how we can think about our final decades, and it will revolutionize the way we plan for old age as individuals, family members, and citizens within a society where the average life expectancy continues to rise.
4. The Ten Steps of Positive Ageing: A Handbook for Personal Change in Later Life – Guy Robertson
This book challenges and debunks the inaccurate and negative attitudes about getting older.
It provides clear, practical guidance for exerting more choice and control over the aging process. It focuses on the psychological and emotional elements of aging, as well as how to deploy a range of personal development techniques.
The Ten Steps of Positive Ageing provides you with the keys to a happier and more fulfilled later life. If you want to do aging differently, then this book will show you how.
Use these 17 Positive Aging Tools [PDF] to cultivate resilience, deepen connections, and thrive with confidence at any stage of life. Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.
Our resources repository is full of gems you can use with your aging clients. From our larger packages, like Wellbeing X or Mindfulness X, right down to our individual tools and worksheets, you can find something to support your aging clients.
My favorite worksheets from our library include the following:
The Five Senses Worksheet is a simple, versatile way to evoke a mindful state wherever you are. The goal of this exercise is to practice being aware in the present moment throughout the day whenever formal mindfulness practice, such as meditation or a body scan, might not be practical. It can help aging clients combat challenges like anxiety, loneliness, and even forgetfulness.
The Self-Esteem Journal for Adults will promote positive self-reflection in your older clients and help build their self-esteem. In this self-esteem worksheet, they can note down meaningful daily events and reflect on them to enhance self-awareness and build confidence.
If you want to transform (later) life into a time of continued purpose, vitality, and self-discovery, consider this collection of 17 validated positive aging exercises. Use them to make a measurable impact in coaching sessions, therapy work, workshops, and group interventions.
A Take-Home Message
Aging doesn’t have to be about loss or decline. We can find joy and have incredibly meaningful and productive lives right up to the end.
By redefining successful aging and embracing a more positive perspective, our clients can navigate the later stages of their lives with grace, fulfillment, and vitality.
Positive aging is about thriving despite the challenges and the inevitable. Let’s help our clients celebrate the wisdom, opportunities, and richness that come with age.
Positive aging theory is focused on strengths, resilience, and opportunities for growth. It views aging as a fulfilling and meaningful phase of life rather than a period of decline.
What strategies support positive aging in daily life?
Strategies to support aging include cultivating mindfulness, staying physically active, building and maintaining social connections, engaging in lifelong learning, and living with a sense of purpose.
What are four characteristics of positive aging?
Positive aging can be identified by adaptability, emotional wellbeing, social engagement, and a focus on physical and cognitive health.
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About the author
Susan McGarvie, Ph.D., is a writer, researcher, and therapist in private practice. With more than twenty years' experience working in the health and NPO sectors, her research, writing, and work have focused on supporting practitioners to better manage stress and create a balanced sense of wellbeing.
Hello, thank you so much for this article. I am a graduate student studying bioengineering and am pursuing entrepreneurship for active aging to help people have positive outlooks about aging. I would like to hear more about your insights about aging and where you see the gaps in the current infrastructures (healthcare systems, societal programs, products and technologies for elderly, etc.) to support the process of aging. Please contact me at [email protected] if you are willing to share your insights and stories! I would love to chat with you. Attention to other readers as well. If you are willing to share your insights and stories, I would like to chat with you all. Thank you!
Through the hills and valleys of this journey of 78 years, I have found that realizing that whatever the event, or the loss, we always have choices. They give us the compass and ultimately the will to navigate anything .
Thank you SO much for this article. I run a course for medical students called Optimum Health in Later Life. This article has SO much good material in!! I would LOVE to get the author or anyone she recommends or anyone who feels they have the right background to come and talk to my medical students… any takers?
Get in touch [email protected]
For some, the expense and time needed to travel back and forth is overwhelming, which is why many people rely on technology and services to help them make sure that everyday tasks are made as easy as possible.
I really enjoyed reading this informative article. The statement I liked the most was “Worldwide cultures don’t define it the same way. Those who revere their elders look to them for wisdom and guidance. These cultures don’t see their elders as a burden or hinderance. They respect them.” I belong to a similar culture and have a great respect for my elders. Thank you.
Having spent a large part of my career working with aging communities of one sort or another, I have had the privilege to witness all sorts of aging processes. The idea of positive aging is great when understood within a context that is real and balanced.
Positive aging shifts the focus from deficits to strengths (Deshpande et al., 1986). It is therefore not about resisting the aging process, but rather embracing it with optimism and intentionality.
Positive psychology offers several perspectives on aging well. Here are five key perspectives that you can work on with your clients.
It comes as no surprise that attitude plays a pivotal role in how we experience the aging process and how it impacts our physical and mental health (Bryant et al., 2012).
Although the concept of positive aging as it is discussed here is fairly new, the idea of aging well or gracefully is far from it, and there are therefore several quotes and books about it that you may find interesting.
What our readers think
Nice article, it definitely got me thinking…
Wow thank you for the info
Reading about the nature of positive aging is very exciting. Thanks for sharing.
Hello, thank you so much for this article. I am a graduate student studying bioengineering and am pursuing entrepreneurship for active aging to help people have positive outlooks about aging. I would like to hear more about your insights about aging and where you see the gaps in the current infrastructures (healthcare systems, societal programs, products and technologies for elderly, etc.) to support the process of aging. Please contact me at [email protected] if you are willing to share your insights and stories! I would love to chat with you. Attention to other readers as well. If you are willing to share your insights and stories, I would like to chat with you all. Thank you!
Through the hills and valleys of this journey of 78 years, I have found that realizing that whatever the event, or the loss, we always have choices. They give us the compass and ultimately the will to navigate anything .
This is a great article.
Thank you SO much for this article. I run a course for medical students called Optimum Health in Later Life. This article has SO much good material in!! I would LOVE to get the author or anyone she recommends or anyone who feels they have the right background to come and talk to my medical students… any takers?
Get in touch
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For some, the expense and time needed to travel back and forth is overwhelming, which is why many people rely on technology and services to help them make sure that everyday tasks are made as easy as possible.
I really enjoyed reading this informative article. The statement I liked the most was “Worldwide cultures don’t define it the same way. Those who revere their elders look to them for wisdom and guidance. These cultures don’t see their elders as a burden or hinderance. They respect them.” I belong to a similar culture and have a great respect for my elders. Thank you.