Beyond longevity: Psychological and functional predictors of successful aging among the oldest-old (85+).

Aims

As the global population ages, understanding successful aging among the oldest-old (≥ 85 years) is critical. We move beyond Rowe and Kahn's model to examine multidimensional predictors of successful aging in South Korean adults aged 85 and above.

Methods

The participants in this descriptive study were 131 oldest-old adults. Psychological (self-efficacy and depression) and functional (cognitive function and activities of daily living [ADL]) factors were analyzed using the General Self-Efficacy Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form, Mini-Mental State Examination, and ADL scale, as well as the Successful Aging Scale.

Results

Multiple regression analysis revealed self-efficacy as the strongest positive predictor of successful aging (β = 0.478, p < .001), followed by education (β = 0.168, p = .010). Depression was negatively associated with successful aging (β = -0.221, p = .003). Notably, functional factors (cognition and ADL) showed no significant predictive value. The model explained 57.4% of the variance (R² = .574), suggesting that psychological factors showed stronger association with successful aging than functional variables in this demographic.

Conclusion

Interventions targeting self-efficacy enhancement and depression reduction, rather than solely functional support, are essential for promoting well-being in the oldest-old. Policy initiatives should prioritize psychosocial programs alongside functional maintenance to optimize quality of life in super-aged societies.