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Worldwide aging research project coordinated at IU
Feb. 14, 2000
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- A worldwide research study on aging is being coordinated through the Indiana University School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.
Barbara Hawkins, associate professor in the school's Department of Recreation and Park Administration and acting director of the IU Center on Aging and Aged, is directing the Cross-Cultural Aging Well Research Project.
"There is little doubt that a longevity revolution is changing the image of society around the world," Hawkins said. "Most post-industrial countries are no longer appropriately described as nations of youth. The United States, for example, with a median age of 35 and one fifth of its population over age 55, is a nation of age.
"Population aging is an important trend that is shaping international public discourse at the turn of the 21st century. The realities associated with a growing population of aging adults worldwide are capturing the attention of all sectors in society. With a large contingent of baby boomers marching forward to their senior years, topics associated with aging are of keen interest."
The project includes researchers from Australia, Austria, Canada, Greece, China, United Kingdom, Singapore, Malta, Sweden, Taiwan, India and Costa Rica. The IU International Programs Center for the Study of Global Change also is assisting in the research. There will be a visiting scholar in residence this spring at the IU Bloomington campus and a worldwide conference here in June.
The Aging Well project is directed at five broad areas: (1) physical health and daily functional activities of living, (2) material security, (3) mental effectiveness, (4) social networks and support, and (5) daily life activity, including productive activity and leisure.
"The concept of aging well is an aggressive attack on negative views and principles," Hawkins said. "As a more positive portrait of later maturity, the aging-well concept emphasizes the idea that people can adapt and maintain satisfying lives as they age even when, for some individuals, the circumstances are less than optimal. To promote aging well among adults around the world, public commitment is needed in providing policies and environments that enhance lifestyle choices for successful, productive, healthy aging."
She said diet and physical activity are important because they can help ensure physical health and the ability to perform functional tasks in everyday life. "Regular physical activity and exercise play a vital role in preserving physical function, promoting health and, according to some researchers, producing longer life.
"Mental effectiveness is important because of changes in cognitive abilities with age in such areas as memory, intelligence and the mechanics of mental functioning. Material security addresses an individual's perception of well-being with age and remains precarious for those who have exhausted all their resources."
Hawkins said a strong network of friends can have a positive effect on health, which involves social support. Life activity is important because an old age of idleness, without purposeful activity to help maintain identity and health, may well be a burden that threatens to undermine aging well.
In summary, Hawkins said, "Aging well is a person-centered process in which the promotion and protection of physical, cognitive, social, economic and daily life activities are paramount for achieving a sense of satisfaction and well-being in old age. Aging well requires a vision of the future that is actively embraced by individuals and cultures collectively."
(Richard Doty, 812-855-0084, rgdoty@indiana.edu)