Karyssaann Costagliola

Research Article Critique: Successful Aging among Assisted Living Community Older Adults

HCS 300

Professor Long

November 6, 2014

1. Title: Successful Aging Among Assisted Living Community Older Adults

Author: Maryalice Kozar-Westman, MSN, RN, Meredith Troutman-Jordan, PhD,

RN, & Mary A. Nies, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAAHB

2. Abstract: This article looks at the effects of aging and factors that contribute to the

success of aging with little complications. It takes in data from both the older adults’

perspective and actual statistics of aging adults. Its’ intent is to give the reader an

understanding and insight in the aging process.

3. Introduction: Successful aging is something that is highly researched a something

everyone wants to know when it comes to their own lives. It is shown that by 2030 the

elderly populations will more than double. The increase in aging will also increase the

need for health care providers due to chronic illness that comes with age. If preventative

measures are taken it could lead to the successful aging of every person in the U.S.

4. Purpose: Line 1. This study investigated the suitability of using the Successful Aging

Inventory in an effort to describe successful aging among older adults currently living in

assisted living communities and to further assess some of the characteristics of successful

aging in this group.

5. Hypotheses: Can a person really have successful aging even with preventative measures?

6. Study:

A) Sample: There were 200 participants age range of 52-100 with a mean age of

79.87 from eight assisted living communities in North Carolina and 85% were

white and 14% were black.

B) Methods: The participants were screened using Mini-Cog; Purpose in Life

test, Life Satisfaction Inventory-A, instrumentation was composed of the SAI,

and the Centers for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale

C) Procedure: There were differences found between genders and successful

aging showing that women seemed to have a higher success in aging.

7. Results: The two hundred participants that participated in the study was used to achieve

the 10 participant per 20 SAI items. All participants reported being white or black with

about 2.4% not disclosing race. The age range of 52-100 only two people reported being

less than 65 years old. The people who participated in the study were rated on their

health by reporting exercise, relationship status, education, perceived aging, income, and

if they already had a chronic illness. The SAI, LSI-A, and PIL scores were negatively

skewed and the CESD scores were positively skewed. (TABLE 5). The study showed

lower scores on depressive symptoms and higher scores in successful aging. LSI-A and

PIL were positively correlated with SAI and if research continues it could give

imperative information for a better understanding to the key in successful aging among

different groups and interventions used to promote the successful aging in adults.

8. Summary & Conclusion: The studies done and the data collected show there is proof

that there is successful aging amongst the elderly in assisted living communities.

9. Suggestion for Improvement or further study: The study should also include area that

the participants live in including average temperatures and other factors that could

promote better health. If they would do another study or larger study including different

states from different points of the U.S. would also be beneficial in proving their facts.