Social and Psychological Determinants of Positive Ageing: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Background: Positive Ageing has emerged as a multidimensional concept in gerontology that encompasses not only physical health but also psychological well-being and social engagement. Although related concepts such as successful ageing, healthy ageing, and positive ageing have been widely explored, there is limited integration of social and psychological determinants associated with Positive Ageing, which have rarely been synthesized within a single framework. This review addressed that gap by integrating the existing Positive Ageing frameworks and identifying the social and psychological factors that facilitate Positive Ageing in later life. Objective: This narrative review aimed to collect empirical evidence regarding the social and psychological factors influencing Positive Ageing and to examine their effects on important ageing outcomes. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using a comprehensive literature search across electronic databases including PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, BMC, and Google Scholar, utilizing keywords such as “positive ageing," "successful ageing," "healthy ageing," "active ageing," and “social and psychological determinants." Peer-reviewed articles published between 2011 and 2026 were included to ensure the incorporation of recent and relevant evidence. The review focused on studies involving adults aged 45 years and older that examined Positive Ageing or related ageing frameworks from social or psychological perspectives. Following the application of predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 33 studies were selected and synthesized using a thematic approach. Results: The review identified three primary domains. Social determinants encompassed social relationships, social participation, and social support. Psychological determinants included resilience, self-efficacy, self-perception of ageing, and psychological well-being. These determinants consistently interacted to facilitate favourable outcomes, such as improved quality of life, productive ageing, life satisfaction, and longevity. Despite consistent findings, the existing literature remains constrained by the predominance of cross-sectional designs, reliance on self-reported measures, and limited representation of culturally diverse and low-resource populations. Conclusion: Positive Ageing depends on the complex interaction of social and psychological resources, not just physical health. The results support a holistic approach that considers how relationships, psychological strengths, and social conditions together influence ageing outcomes. Future studies should use long-term, culturally broad methods to strengthen the evidence and guide interventions and policies that promote Positive Ageing in diverse groups. This review presents a detailed framework of factors that support Positive Ageing at the individual level; gerontologists and policymakers should recognise and enhance these elements in appropriate contexts for each person.