title: A new multidimensional model of successful aging: perceptions of Japanese American older adults.
abstract: This study examined the concept of successful aging using an ethnographic grounded-theory approach. Seventy-seven Japanese American older adults participated in focus groups. Participants perceived successful aging as optimal functioning in the following areas: Physical health, psychological health, cognitive functioning, socialization, spirituality, and financial security. The content of each dimension represents both culture-specific and culturally-universal elements. This new multidimensional model of successful aging was compared to Rowe and Kahn's (The Gerontologist 37:433-440, 1997) and Phelan et al.'s frameworks (Journal of the American Geriatric Society 52:211-216, 2004) of successful aging. The model of successful aging generated from this study appears to be more comprehensive than existing models and incorporates sociocultural experiences.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Office of Mental Health Operations, 9152 Kent Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46216, USA. gayle.iwamasa@va.gov
authors.forename: Gayle Y
authors.initials: GY
authors.lastname: Iwamasa
authors.forename: Michiko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Iwasaki
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D001213:Asian / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012945:Social Values; D029181:Spirituality; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires