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Successful ageing in the oldest old: objectively and subjectively measured evidence from a population-based survey in Germany

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  • Marina Plugge

    (University of Cologne)

Abstract

Despite rapid increase of people aged 80 and over, concepts of successful ageing (SA) are primarily examined for people below that age. Therefore, successful ageing was examined in a population-based representative sample of N = 1863 people aged 80 to 102 (NRW80+) with 11% living in institutionalized settings. In this survey on quality of life and well-being, multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to calculate the distribution of successful agers. According to Rowe and Kahn’s objective definition, 9% of the sample aged successfully, but one-third (33%) still met four to five SA criteria. This is in line with the theoretical a priori criterion of 10% in a normal distribution of a sample, while 80% age normally and 10% pathologically. However, averages of life satisfaction, affective well-being, positive ageing experience and valuation of life were high. The majority of the oldest old (65%) are successful agers in their own subjective perception, which is not in line with objective measurements. Moreover, 11% of objectively measured successful agers do not meet subjective criteria. These empirical findings reveal a remarkable discrepancy between objective and subjective criteria of SA. Future research on concepts that define successful ageing for the oldest old should consider more holistic markers of success, e.g., outcomes of productive social engagement.

Suggested Citation

  • Marina Plugge, 2021. "Successful ageing in the oldest old: objectively and subjectively measured evidence from a population-based survey in Germany," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 18(4), pages 537-547, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eujoag:v:18:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s10433-021-00609-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10433-021-00609-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ruut Veenhoven, 2000. "The Four Qualities of Life," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 1(1), pages 1-39, March.
    2. Karsten Hank, 2011. "How "Successful" Do Older Europeans Age? Findings From SHARE," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 66(2), pages 230-236.
    3. Sara J. McLaughlin & Cathleen M Connell & Steven G. Heeringa & Lydia W. Li & J. Scott Roberts, 2010. "Successful Aging in the United States: Prevalence Estimates From a National Sample of Older Adults," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 65(2), pages 216-226.
    4. 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.
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