title: Perceptions of Successful Aging: Intergenerational Voices Value Well-Being.
abstract: This study explored the perceptions of successful aging from intergenerational perspectives. A total of 66 participants were interviewed from three different generations including college students, parents, and grandparents. After qualitative data collection and analyses were used, five conceptual categories emerged from the data that related to perceptions of successful aging. The five concepts include wisdom, health, financial stability, staying active, and well-being. Conceptual categories emerged from the participants of different generations, and some were interconnected across generations. Each category is representative of major thematic patterns. Well-being was the primary concept which emerged because all three generations perceived and explicitly discussed well-being as the most valued aspect of successful aging. Previous successful aging research informed the use of a bio-psycho-social theoretical lens to frame the study findings and discussion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Sociology and Anthropology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA Gina.kelly@ndsu.edu.
authors.forename: Gina Aalgaard
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.affiliation: Department of Sociology and Anthropology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA.
authors.forename: Jennie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lazarus
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D036301:Qualitative Research; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: intergenerational; social gerontology; successful aging