成功老化: 老年健康的正向觀點

Under the worldwide aging trend in recent decades, gerontological studies have focused not only on the care of the ill or disabled elders, but also on the thoughts of how to make the elder's life healthier and more satisfactory. Studies of 'successful aging' become a new study issue and hope to promote capacities and functions in the genes, biomedical, behavioral, and social aspects of the elder's life beyond their biological limits. Two models of successful aging studies are often applied. One is Baltes & Baltes' "selection, optimization, compensation" model, which emphasizes the process of psychological adjustment and changing self behaviors, considering systematic and ecological view, and through education, motivation, health-promotion related activities and strategies of knowledge and technology, to attain the goal of successful aging. The other model is Rowe & Kahn's three-element model: "low risks of diseases and disability, high physical and mental function, and engagement with life". Successful aging is attained when all three dimensions are simultaneously achieved. The strategies to promote successful aging include disease prevention （e.g., diet and exercise）, biomedical approach, education, social support, increasing self efficacy, etc. Though many empirical studies have done, the operational definition of successful aging was not consistent in previous studies. Thus, it is difficult to set policy priorities or goals for health promotion for elders. Meanwhile, the concept and definition of successful aging is specific to culture. Relevant studies in Taiwan are not much yet. To define successful aging and indexes to describe the elders successful aging status in Taiwan is suggested to be the first priority. In the future, we need to explore the risk factors and protective factors of successful aging in order to give policy suggestions of health promotions for the elders.