The Importance Of Successful Aging

The article “What is Successful Aging”, thoroughly explained the author’s thoughts on what aging successfully actually means. I think it is extremely vital to try our best to be content with our lives and what we have done at a later age. Integrity versus despair, as we learned in class kept coming to mind while reading the article. It is important that when one reaches this age he or she doesn’t feel like there is more to look back on than to look forward to. I agreed with the author’s views on self-efficacy and different opportunities in aging successfully.
I agree that evaluating one’s self-efficacy is a key factor in defining successful aging. It would be difficult to live a happy and healthy life if older adults believe they aren’t worth much or haven’t accomplished enough. It is important to approach life’s challenges with confidence. The author suggested that having a having a positive approach can define how satisfied we feel, therefore, aging successfully. That would explain why there are so many negative older adults who by this definition, are not aging successfully. As the article mentioned, because those who are strong in

self-efficacy retain control, feel competent, seek opportunity in challenges, have compassion, and maintain a sense of humor can conclude to having aged successfully.
Does everyone have the same opportunity to age well? The author suggests that everyone does not have the same opportunity and so do I. There are many factors that put others at a disadvantage when trying to age successfully. Having no health insurance is a major risk for unsuccessful aging. This financial set back brings many stressors in one’s life and could lead to other health complications soon becoming a vicious cycle. Also, those who have a weak support system will undoubtedly find aging more challenging. Many older adults who live in poverty may find it tough to be happy and so then are also put at a disadvantage.
Besides health care and one’s support system, I believe that the majority of people do have the same opportunity to age successfully.

Both of my grandmothers are complete opposites. My grandmothers’ financial status and support system are about the same, but their attitudes are totally different. My father’s mother is always happy and positive about the curve balls that life throws her, whereas my mother’s mother has a constant negative and grumpy outlook on most things. I would say that my grandmother from my father’s side is aging more effectively than the other. This difference, I believe is directly linked to the happier grandmother’s stronger connection with Christ. Her faith and joyous attitude encourages me to keep a well-founded relationship with God and it will always lead to a successful aging, no matter the

circumstances.
A strong self-efficacy and taking every opportunity one has will dramatically increase his or her successful aging. Though there are different challenges that everyone faces, a positive and confident attitude will help a person have a strong integrity and keep that person from leading towards despair. It is almost impossible to live a life with nothing worth regretting, but with God’s help, he can work with us to be cheerful and value our life about what has happened, what is happening and what will happen, because there are always more things to look forward to.