On the previous page you were presented with a list of 'lay definitions' of successful ageing. Post the definition you chose and answer the follow question:
Why is this definition of successful ageing particularly important to you?
I think social networks and support is an important idea as it still fulfils a sense of community, contribution, and purpose. Personally I am aware that my grandmother (age 90 in a retirement village) can get quite lonely however less so as she has networks within the village that gives her support and a sense of meaning
I choose "life satisfaction and wellbeing". As life is always full of challenges and unpredictability, it seems important in contrast to accept outcomes and make the best of what we know or don't know.
This was really hard to choose for me, as financial security was right up there, but people can be happy without strong finances. But I chose sense of purpose because it drives you as you are older to look after yourself, to socialize, to participate in activities and to feel worthwhile and not to feel lost, alone or useless. A sense of purpose gives someone meaning and value to themselves and to others.
This definition of successful ageing is important to me because I want to reach my later years feeling proud of the life I lived. After everything I’ve overcome, I want to look back with peace, not regret. Knowing that acceptance and meaning matter reminds me to make choices now that align with my values, my family, and my wellbeing, so that when I’m older, I can feel content, fulfilled, and surrounded by love
Choosing one was hard, but for this discussion, I decided on spirituality as that is the next adventure. With imminent final departure on the horizon, I think having a healthy outlook and relationship with life, death & the afterworld can help the transition not just for the soul ageing out but for the family and loved ones left behind.
sense of purpose.
I guess it relates back to that all important question of what am I doing here, what have I achieved or contributed to society.
Accomplishment- Knowing you have accomplished something in life, served its purpose rightfully
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I wanted to pick a sense of purpose as I think this is so key to a fulfilling life no matter how old, but financial security is also big one as it allows so much freedom to do the things that help wellness and mental health. So I'm cheating and picking two!
Sense of Humour
When everything else goes you need to be able to see the joy in ageing
neighbourhood. it is important for older aged people to have a community and support system to ensure they are taken care of and it is important for their mental health as well.
It was tough to pick just one because so many are important. I went with “Social, community, leisure activities, integration and participation.” I think it’s really easy for older people to slowly pull away from society—maybe because it’s harder to get around, they’re tired, or they’ve lost someone close and don’t feel like socialising. Staying connected with family, friends, or joining clubs can help keep them active and give them a sense of purpose. It keeps their minds and bodies working and helps prevent loneliness. I also think spirituality matters, as it can bring peace and help them face the end of life without fear or regret.
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I feel this is important to me as it would give me a sense of purpose when I look back and think about my life and how it was
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I would like to always have a sense of purpose, closely followed my a sense of humor. With these two attributes, life has meaning and light.
Sense of purpose is particulary important to me because it it represents, life. Purpose is what motivates a person and contributes to wellbeing.
Sense of humour.
I choose this lay definition because there is nothing more comforting than an elderly person who has a sense of humour, old age can be difficult, with all the physical declines in health, they do say laughter is the best medicine, and i think humour can be used to keep the spirit alive. I would consider growing old in style while keeping humour alive very important.
I sometimes pause and wonder what truly awaits me after all these years of effort. Will I find greater contentment in my later years? Although I love setting goals and planning in detail, I realize I haven’t always done so with successful ageing in mind. From my perspective, aging is inevitable—no one can avoid it. I also believe that later life is strongly connected with the choices and experiences of earlier life. For this reason, I am striving to live as meaningfully as possible, mindful that I don’t know how much time I have left.
Personally, I think having a sense of purpose will be a big one for me, as I will be slowing down with my career. I would want to find ways I can still feel helpful to my family or community. If not, I think I would get depressed.