Emerging lifestyles and proactive options for successful ageing

Maintenance of functional health and high quality of late life are crucial concerns for gerontologists and health researchers, as rapidly growing numbers of very old adults face the challenges and opportunities of increasing longevity and frailty in the twenty-first century (Atchley, 1995; Institute of Medicine [IOM], 1991). The present formulation outlines how older adults of tomorrow can enhance their own quality of life through a broad array of proactive adaptations. By recognizing and accepting older adults’ right to, and preference for, proactive involvement in shaping their own destiny, we can make important strides toward facilitating elders’ successful ageing. Successful ageing, based on our model, is an attainable goal within reach of even those aged traditionally relegated to ranks of passive and stigmatized recipients of care. The awards she has received include the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) Distinguished Mentorship Award; Mary E. Switzer Distinguished Fellowship; Ohio Distinguished Gerontological Researcher; Distinguished Scholar Award, Section on Aging & the Life Course of the American Sociological Association (ASA); and Polisher Award of the GSA for her outstanding contribution to applied gerontology. She has published extensively in the area of stress, coping, and health of the aged. Dr. Kahana has been honored throughout his career, including Fellow of the American Psychological Society, a Heller Award for Contributions to Gerontology, the State of Ohio Distinguished Gerontological Researcher Award, and a Publishers Prize for Research Excellence. His extensive list of publications covers the fields of psychology, coping, trauma, stress, and health of the aged. Dr. Kercher acts as statistical and research methods consultant to the School of Medicine, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Department of Communication, and University Center on Aging and Health at Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Kercher has served as the co-director of the Education, Epidemiology, and Health Services Research Administration for the Northeast, and serves as Director of the Invitational Research Seminar Series for Case Western Reserve University.