Healthy aging

In the last 40 years, there have been many attempts to define healthy aging and its synonyms. The evolution of the definitions of healthy aging and its many synonyms has reflected contemporary thinking and a high level of interest in the health and quality of life of older people. The WHO now defines healthy aging as: The process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well being in old age. (World Health Organization 2015, p. 40) An earlier similar definition was provided by Health Canada as part of a systematic research program on aging and the maximization of quality of life. A lifelong process of optimising opportunities for improving and preserving health and physical, social and mental wellness, independence, quality of life and enhancing successful life-course transitions. (Health Canada 2001, p. 1) The European Union Healthy Ageing Project (Swedish National Institute of Public Health 2006) defined it as “… the process of optimising opportunities for physical, social and mental health to enable older people to take an active part in society without discrimination and to enjoy an independent and good quality of life.” Other definitions include: …the development and maintenance of optimal physical, mental and social well-being and function in older adults. It is most likely to be achieved by individuals who live in physical environments and communities that are safe and support the adoption and maintenance of attitudes and behaviors known to promote health and well-being; and the effective use of health services to prevent or minimize the impact of acute and chronic disease on function. (US Health Promotion Research Centre Healthy Aging Research Network) … a process whereby people can achieve or maintain the best possible state of physical, cognitive and mental health and well being, meaningful and positive engagement with people, community and institutions, and a personal sense of security, choice and autonomy, with active adaptation to ageing processes from the individual, familial and societal perspectives. (Browning and Thomas 2007