A global movement to support continued participation by older adults and population groups in social, economic, spiritual and cultural opportunities, with the goal of enhancing quality and extending healthy life expectancy.
Deeper dive
The World Health Organization considers active aging a process to achieve positive experience, where longer life is accompanied by continuing opportunities for health, participation and security. The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) describes it as “individuals and populations who live as fully as possible within the dimensions of wellness (emotional, environmental, vocational, physical, spiritual, intellectual, social).” Dorothy Farrar Edwards, Ph.D., faculty director for the Collaborative Center for Health Equity at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, highlights the “Activity Theory,” first put forth in 1961, which suggests that successful aging occurs when older adults stay active and maintain social interactions. It assumes a positive relationship between activity and life satisfaction.
Whatever definition is used, the concept encompasses opportunities to enjoy and participate in activities and perspectives which significantly benefits individuals’ cognitive and physical wellness. Unfortunately, older adults are often subjected to ageism and age bias, told they’re “too old” to maintain certain activities or lifestyles — whether taking part in certain sports, pursuing a degree, or starting a second (or third or fourth) career. Active aging pushes back against ageist stereotypes, and encourages older adults to fully engage in and enjoy life as best they can.
“Active” refers to continuing participation in social, economic, cultural, spiritual and civic affairs, not just the ability to be physically active or to participate in the labor force, according to the WHO. Active aging aims to extend healthy life expectancy and quality of life for all people as they age, including those who are frail, disabled and in need of care. In an active aging framework, policies and programs that promote mental health and social connections are as important as those that improve physical health status.