Successful aging: Advancing the science of physical independence in older adults

Stephen D. Anton, Adam J. Woods, Tetso Ashizawa, Diana Barb, Thomas W. Buford, Christy S. Carter, David J. Clark, Ronald A. Cohen, Duane B. Corbett, Yenisel Cruz-Almeida, Vonetta Dotson, Natalie Ebner, Philip A. Efron, Roger B. Fillingim, Thomas C. Foster, David M. Gundermann, Anna Maria Joseph, Christy Karabetian, Christiaan Leeuwenburgh, Todd M. ManiniMichael Marsiske, Robert T. Mankowski, Heather L. Mutchie, Michael G. Perri, Sanjay Ranka, Parisa Rashidi, Bhanuprasad Sandesara, Philip J. Scarpace, Kimberly T. Sibille, Laurence M. Solberg, Shinichi Someya, Connie Uphold, Stephanie Wohlgemuth, Samuel Shangwu Wu, Marco Pahor

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

187 Scopus citations

Abstract

The concept of 'successful aging' has long intrigued the scientific community. Despite this long-standing interest, a consensus definition has proven to be a difficult task, due to the inherent challenge involved in defining such a complex, multi-dimensional phenomenon. The lack of a clear set of defining characteristics for the construct of successful aging has made comparison of findings across studies difficult and has limited advances in aging research. A consensus on markers of successful aging is furthest developed is the domain of physical functioning. For example, walking speed appears to be an excellent surrogate marker of overall health and predicts the maintenance of physical independence, a cornerstone of successful aging. The purpose of the present article is to provide an overview and discussion of specific health conditions, behavioral factors, and biological mechanisms that mark declining mobility and physical function and promising interventions to counter these effects. With life expectancy continuing to increase in the United States and developed countries throughout the world, there is an increasing public health focus on the maintenance of physical independence among all older adults.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)304-327
Number of pages24
JournalAgeing Research Reviews
Volume24
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2015

Keywords

  • Age
  • Healthspan
  • Longevity
  • Mobility
  • Obesity
  • Sarcopenia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Biochemistry
  • Aging
  • Molecular Biology
  • Neurology

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