The Elusive Meaning Of Positive Aging

The precise meaning of Positive Aging is impossible to pin down because there are as many definitions as there are people.  Although it’s true that research can provide valuable insights into the meaning of the concept, current findings can’t be synthesized into a meaningful whole that truly gets to the heart of the matter. 

The reason is that, ultimately, the most important definition is the one that each individual believes on a gut level.  That definition, no matter how simple or complex, no matter how factually accurate or inaccurate, will form the foundation for the belief system that will be the guiding light of  each individual’s aging process.  If that belief system  holistically facilitates the physical, psychosocial and spiritual well-being of the individual, then it is the essence of Positive Aging, at least for that particular person.