Exploring the concept of optimal functionality in old age

Abstract

Background

Aging is characterized by loss of function and represents a perspective that puts the focus on the negative aspects of aging. Thus, it is fundamental to shift the focus from loss of function to maintaining good health and personal satisfaction through life; in other words, to promote optimal functionality at a level appropriate for older adults. However, it is not yet known what constitutes optimal functionality from the older adult’s own perspective.

Objective

To explore the concept of optimal functionality in old age from the older adult’s perspective (ie, people over 65 years of age) in industrialized Western countries.

Methods

We undertook a scoping review and searched two electronic databases (PubMed and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature [CINAHL]) from January 2002 to July 2013 for scientific studies, using the key search term personal satisfaction. In total, 25 scientific studies were analyzed.

Results

Only six of the included articles applied a qualitative methodology. By analyzing the results of these articles, three major themes were identified as cornerstones in the concept of optimal functionality at old age: 1) self-related factors (eg, mental well-being); 2) body-related factors (eg, physical well-being); and 3) external factors equal to demographic and environmental factors.

Conclusion

There is a lack of qualitative studies in the current literature, and hence of what constitutes optimal functionality from the older adult’s perspective. The results outlined in this review identify three cornerstones (self-related factors, body-related factors, and external factors) of what constitutes optimal functionality at old age. However, it is vital that these findings are taken further and are evaluated through qualitative studies to reflect older adults’ opinions.

Keywords:

• optimal functionality
• aging
• personal satisfaction

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge Bengt Björkstén, Carl Mårten Lindqvist, Gunnel Östlund, and Mandy Krahn for valuable input on the manuscript. This work was supported by the Knowledge foundation (grant ref: 20110225) and the Olle Engkvist Byggmästare foundation (grant approved for investigating the importance of nutrition and physical activity among older persons) as well as the Faculty of Medicine at Örebro University.

Disclosure

The authors declare no conflicts of interest in this work.