Seven key factors for ageing well, new Federation University study finds
With Australians living longer than ever, new research has uncovered seven factors key to ageing well – challenging long-held assumptions that health alone determines wellbeing in later life.
The study drew on the experiences of 722 Australians aged 65 to 98 from the general population, as well as 13 Holocaust survivors now living in Australia – most of whom considered themselves to be ageing well despite the extreme childhood adversity they endured.
The research found that ageing well is shaped by seven key components: autonomy, purpose in life, independence, reasonable and manageable health, positive attitudes, active life involvement and social connectedness and belonging.
Federation University Psychology PhD student Chloe Waddell, who led the study, said the research shed new insights into what it means to age well, drawing on the lived experiences of older Australians.
“As our population lives longer, it’s important to understand how to support people in their later years. But there has long been a lack of consensus about what ageing well actually means,” Dr Waddell said.
“Past ideas of ageing well were you had to be in perfect health – but as this research shows, feeling connected, having purpose and retaining control over your own life can be just as, if not more, important.”
Dr Waddell said understanding each of these key components could help drive positive change for people in later life.
“By understanding each of these factors, we can provide a clearer framework for policy-makers, aged care providers, carers and older Australians themselves to guide supports in future.”
The research found ageing well is a dynamic and evolving process that exists on a continuum – with most Australians considering themselves to be ageing well, regardless of gender or health status.
Of the 13 Holocaust survivors interviewed, most reported ageing well, with key themes including health, belonging, autonomy including uncoerced decision-making, active life involvement and positive attitudes like mental toughness.
“As part of my broader research, I wanted to understand what ageing well means to older Australians from different walks of life. This group of our population have experienced prejudice and discrimination, marginalisation and extreme childhood adversity,” Dr Waddell said.
“There is currently no research on this group in relation to ageing well and given their advancing age, we are in a unique and privileged position to hear their insights. I feel very privileged that they trusted me with their stories and life experiences.”
Dr Waddell said the findings offer an important reminder about the potential for wellbeing in later life.
“Together these insights remind us that later life can be meaningful, connected and fulfilling – even after a lifetime of adversity – if the right supports are in place.”