A two-factor model of successful aging.
OBJECTIVE
To propose and test a conceptual two-factor model of successful aging that includes objective and subjective components.


METHODS
Data were derived from 5,688 persons aged 50-74 years living in New Jersey who participated in the ORANJ BOWL panel. Participants were recruited using random digit dial procedures and interviewed by telephone. A measurement model was developed and tested using data from two independent samples (each n = 1,000); a structural model examining the effects of age and gender was tested using data from another 3,688 people.


RESULTS
Confirmatory factor analyses provided support for a multidimensional model incorporating objective criteria and subjective perceptions. Age and gender were associated with objective but not subjective success.


CONCLUSIONS
Results add rigor to the measurement of a construct that has intrigued philosophers and scientists for hundreds of years, providing the empirical foundation on which to build research about successful aging.
Pruchno
Rachel A
RA
School of Osteopathic Medicine,New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging, University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, 42 E. Laurel Road, Suite 2300, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA. pruchnra@umdnj.edu
Wilson-Genderson
Maureen
M
Cartwright
Francine
F
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009515:New Jersey; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology; D012380:Role; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012737:Sex Factors