SUCCESSFUL AGING AT 85 AND OVER: LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE MIT AGELAB LIFESTYLE LEADERS

摘要

While the population of people ages 65 and older has garnered considerable attention by educators, policymakers, and businesses across the United States, less attention has been paid to the fastest-growing age segment in the United States: those 85 and older (Ortman, Velkoff, & Hogan, 2014). This symposium will present findings about different facets of successful aging from research with the Lifestyle Leaders, a bimonthly panel study of 33 adults ages 85 and older at the MIT AgeLab, which began in September 2015. The purpose of the Lifestyle Leaders Panel is to explore and deconstruct aging issues and experiences with those who are experiencing the “leading edge” of aging. Data draw from focus groups and surveys covering topics including love and relationships, meaning-making, changes in vision and hearing, physical fitness, housing, sense of home and belonging, and more. The first presentation in this symposium will spotlight findings about the social and emotional aspects of successful aging at 85 and beyond. The second presentation will report on how the oldest old adapt to changes in health and disability. The final presentation will examine the Lifestyle Leaders’ home environments, transportation, and how they navigate their communities. Every presentation will embed a discussion of the implications of technology in said domain. This symposium will deepen the audience’s understanding of the needs and experiences of active octogenarians and nonagenarians. A facilitated discussion following the presentations will provide opportunities to develop topics and explore methodological considerations tied to a panel study of this nature.