Poster Session #1: UC Ballroom
A Qualitative Study of Successful Aging in Older Adults
Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
Gyda Swaney
Faculty Mentor’s Department
Psychology
Abstract / Artist's Statement
Reese, Kate, B.A., May 2014 Psychology
A Qualitative Study of Successful Aging in Older Adults: An Examination of Emotion Goals
Faculty Mentor: Gyda Swaney
The purpose of this study, as informed by the socioemotional selectivity theory, was to examine what emotion goals are and how they lead to successful aging from the perspective of older adults. Additionally, this study aimed to develop a definition of successful aging that is representative of older adults’ perspectives. This was conducted using an adaptation of the PhotoVoice technique as well as with qualitative interviews. Thirteen individuals, all of whom range between the old-old (70-79 years) and very-old (80 years and above) ages, took a photograph of what, in their own perspective, successful aging means. The photograph was then discussed in an individual interview. The interview also examined the details of what emotion goals are, how emotion goals are achieved, and how they lead to successful aging. The data from the interviews and photographs is currently under analysis. The expected results of the study include a deeper understanding of factors that lead to successful aging and, subsequently, a holistic definition of successful aging that is representative of older adults’ perspectives and experiences. This knowledge will benefit the aging baby boom generation by combating negative stereotypes, aligning expectations about aging, and outlining specific factors that can lead to successful aging.
Keywords: successful aging, socioemotional selectivity theory, emotion goals, aging
Category
Social Sciences
A Qualitative Study of Successful Aging in Older Adults
Reese, Kate, B.A., May 2014 Psychology
A Qualitative Study of Successful Aging in Older Adults: An Examination of Emotion Goals
Faculty Mentor: Gyda Swaney
The purpose of this study, as informed by the socioemotional selectivity theory, was to examine what emotion goals are and how they lead to successful aging from the perspective of older adults. Additionally, this study aimed to develop a definition of successful aging that is representative of older adults’ perspectives. This was conducted using an adaptation of the PhotoVoice technique as well as with qualitative interviews. Thirteen individuals, all of whom range between the old-old (70-79 years) and very-old (80 years and above) ages, took a photograph of what, in their own perspective, successful aging means. The photograph was then discussed in an individual interview. The interview also examined the details of what emotion goals are, how emotion goals are achieved, and how they lead to successful aging. The data from the interviews and photographs is currently under analysis. The expected results of the study include a deeper understanding of factors that lead to successful aging and, subsequently, a holistic definition of successful aging that is representative of older adults’ perspectives and experiences. This knowledge will benefit the aging baby boom generation by combating negative stereotypes, aligning expectations about aging, and outlining specific factors that can lead to successful aging.
Keywords: successful aging, socioemotional selectivity theory, emotion goals, aging