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Growing Older With a Physical Disability: A Special Application of the Successful Aging Paradigm

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  • Ivan R. Molton
  • Kathryn M. Yorkston

Abstract

Objectives:In the United States, the average age of people living with early-acquired physical disabilities is increasing. This cohort is said to be aging with disability and represents a unique population among older adults. Given recent policy efforts designed to merge aging and disability services, it is critical that models of “successful aging” include and are relevant to this population. However, many current definitions of successful aging emphasize avoidance of disability and high levels of physical function as necessary to well-being.Method:In 9 focus groups, we examined perspectives of “successful aging” in 49 middle-aged and older individuals living with spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, or postpolio syndrome. Transcripts were analyzed using a structured qualitative coding approach and Dedoose indexing software.Results:Participants ranged in age from 45 to 80 years (M = 62) and had lived with their disability diagnosis for an average of 21 years. Analysis revealed 4 primary themes of successful aging: resilience/adaptation, autonomy, social connectedness, and physical health (including access to general and specialty healthcare).Discussion:Results highlight the need for a nuanced application of the “successful aging” paradigm in this population.

Suggested Citation

  • Ivan R. Molton & Kathryn M. Yorkston, 2017. "Growing Older With a Physical Disability: A Special Application of the Successful Aging Paradigm," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 72(2), pages 290-299.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:geronb:v:72:y:2017:i:2:p:290-299.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/geronb/gbw122
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John W. Rowe & Robert L. Kahn, 2015. "Successful Aging 2.0: Conceptual Expansions for the 21st Century," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 70(4), pages 593-596.
    2. Douglas A. Wolf & Vicki A. Freedman & Jan I. Ondrich & Christopher L. Seplaki & Brenda C. Spillman, 2015. "Editor's choice Disability Trajectories at the End of Life: A "Countdown" Model," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 70(5), pages 745-752.
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    Cited by:

    1. Anam M. Khan & Paul Lin & Neil Kamdar & Elham Mahmoudi & Philippa Clarke, 2023. "Continuity of Care in Adults Aging with Cerebral Palsy and Spina Bifida: The Importance of Community Healthcare and Socioeconomic Context," Disabilities, MDPI, vol. 3(2), pages 1-12, June.
    2. Beenish Moalla Chaudhry & Dipanwita Dasgupta & Nitesh V. Chawla, 2022. "Successful Aging for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: An Experimental Study with a Tablet App," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-28, October.
    3. Arturo González-Olguín & Diego Ramos Rodríguez & Francisco Higueras Córdoba & Luis Martínez Rebolledo & Carla Taramasco & Diego Robles Cruz, 2022. "Classification of Center of Mass Acceleration Patterns in Older People with Knee Osteoarthritis and Fear of Falling," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-18, October.
    4. Elizabeth Newbronner & Caroline Glendinning & Karl Atkin & Ruth Wadman, 2019. "The health and quality of life of Thalidomide survivors as they age – Evidence from a UK survey," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(1), pages 1-17, January.
    5. Marissa M. Rurka & Melissa L. Riba, 2023. "Organizations’ Perspectives on Successful Aging with Long-Term Physical Disability," Disabilities, MDPI, vol. 3(2), pages 1-18, April.

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