Attitudes about Successful Aging in Michigan Communities.

This paper examines contemporary literature on "successful aging," as developed primarily by Rowe and Kahn (1997). Successful aging literature suggests that older adults have agency and autonomy over disease and disability; when remaining free from disability, older adults consequently will maintain a high level of physical and cognitive functioning, continue interpersonal relationships, and contribute productively to society. Much of the research on successful aging also has been quantitative and prescriptive, defining "aging" as well as "success" in aging very narrowly; thus, this paper serves not only to examine but also to critique this literature by reporting on a 2006 survey of Michigan residents about their "success" in aging. Specifically, survey data is presented to show whether and how diverse individuals define themselves as successful agers, and how closely individuals adhere to Rowe & Kahn's perspective on this subject. In their conclusions, the authors call for a broader conceptualization of what it means to age "successfully" and additional sociological research in this area, to promote a greater understanding of how diverse populations conceptualize and engage in aging processes. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]