Social bonds, care, and successful ageing

Abstract

Social bonds and care are important factors for successful ageing. Most people do not grow old in isolation, but together with other people, supporting them and being supported by them. While ageing, people are embedded into a social network formed by family, friends, and neighbours. These social bonds are a necessary precondition for successful self-development over the course of our lives. The process of growing very old is characterized by morbidity, functional loss, and care needs. Hence, it is important to account for factors that enable successful ageing even in a life phase when social support and long-term care are becoming more important for a good life. Therefore, successful ageing must be seen in the context of advanced old age.