active aging

Introduction

World Health Organization (WHO) definition of 'active aging'

• "the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation, & security to enhance quality of life as people age."
• allows older adults to "realize their potential for physical, social, & mental well-being throughout the life course & to participate in society according to their needs, desires, & capacities, while providing them with adequate protection, security, & care when they require assistance"
• WHO clarifies that 'active' refers to
  • continuing participation in social, economic, cultural, spiritual, & civic affairs
  • it is not restricted to the ability to be physically active or to continue working
• in practice, active aging programs invariably promote physical activity & exercise as having health & social benefits
• although physical activity & exercise have health & social benefits, they are not essential elements of WHO's definition of 'active aging'.

* see healthy aging

More general terms

• healthy (successful) aging; sustained independence