Quality aging as an integrative concept in gerontology

IF 2.4 3区社会学 Q2 GERONTOLOGY

Journal of Aging Studies Pub Date : 2026-03-01 Epub Date: 2026-02-28 DOI:10.1016/j.jaging.2026.101410

Javier López , Gema Perez-Rojo , Cristina Noriega , Karl Pillemer

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Our proposal of quality aging seeks to expand both successful aging and positive aging. Our aims include: to propose a construct that is not categorical but continuous or dynamic; to create an objective and measurable concept that avoids inducing feelings of guilt or inadequacy in those who may not appear to age positively or successfully; and to ensure a multidimensional construct.

Our proposal of quality aging aims to highlight, from a psychosocial perspective, both the role of the environment and personal psychological resources. The intention of this model is to counteract the tendency in gerontology to emphasize the false dichotomy between positive and negative aging. We hope that the FRAG (Family functioning, Resilience, Acceptance and Gratitude) model could help correct some dualisms (positive vs. negative aging, healthy vs. unhealthy, environment vs. psychological emphasis), encourage investigation into the determinants of quality aging, and identify goals for older adults' interventions.

Family functioning, resilience, acceptance, and gratitude are essential strengths to promote quality aging, which moves away from the idea that aging necessarily means loss, illness, or vulnerability. Physical health is important among older adults, but environmental and psychological aspects promote quality aging even in adverse health conditions. It is possible that facing adversities throughout the aging process may make older adults stronger.

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质量老龄化是老年学的一个综合概念。

我们提出的质量老龄化旨在扩大成功老龄化和积极老龄化。我们的目标包括：提出一个不是定范畴而是连续或动态的构念；创造一个客观和可测量的概念，避免在那些看起来不积极或不成功的人身上引起内疚感或不足感；并确保一个多维结构。我们提出的质量老龄化旨在从社会心理角度强调环境和个人心理资源的作用。这个模型的目的是抵消趋势在老年学强调积极和消极衰老之间的错误二分法。我们希望FRAG （Family functioning, Resilience, Acceptance and Gratitude）模型可以帮助纠正一些二元论（积极与消极老龄化、健康与不健康、环境与心理重点），鼓励对高质量老龄化决定因素的研究，并确定老年人干预的目标。家庭功能、恢复力、接纳和感恩是促进高质量老龄化的重要力量，它摒弃了老龄化必然意味着损失、疾病或脆弱的观念。身体健康对老年人很重要，但即使在不利的健康条件下，环境和心理因素也能促进高质量的老龄化。在整个衰老过程中面对逆境可能会使老年人变得更强壮。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Aging Studies GERONTOLOGY-

CiteScore

3.20

自引率

17.40%

发文量

审稿时长

50 days

期刊介绍： The Journal of Aging Studies features scholarly papers offering new interpretations that challenge existing theory and empirical work. Articles need not deal with the field of aging as a whole, but with any defensibly relevant topic pertinent to the aging experience and related to the broad concerns and subject matter of the social and behavioral sciences and the humanities. The journal emphasizes innovations and critique - new directions in general - regardless of theoretical or methodological orientation or academic discipline. Critical, empirical, or theoretical contributions are welcome.