Positive attitudes and social activities among post-menopausal women: Determinants of successful aging through the 60s, 70s, and 80s

As women age, levels and types of social engagement during free-time may differ from decade to decade. Positive life attitudes and a variety of social interactions can influence perceptions of successful aging. The purposes of this study are to: (1) identify the types of social behaviors engaged in by older women in California; (2) examine the intrapersonal and interpersonal factors associated with high levels of self-perceived successful aging; and (3) describe the differences in correlates to successful aging between women in their 60s, 70s, and 80s. Data were collected from a sample of 1,806 community dwelling post-menopausal women age 60 and older who participated in the San Diego site of the Women's Health Initiative study. Study variables include: sociodemographics, health indicators, positive life perceptions, social behaviors, and measures of successful aging. Logistic regression analyses were performed to compare intrapersonal and interpersonal variables associated with women's perceptions of successful aging. The average age of study participants was 73.2 years (SD=7.10). Women perceiving themselves to be successfully aging were significantly more likely to be in their 80s relative to those in their 60s (OR=2.65); of better general health (OR=7.80); have higher levels of optimism (OR=1.02) and morale (OR=1.04); travel more than once per year (OR=1.39); engage in paid work (OR=1.64); and be sexually active (OR=2.49). Notable differences in determinants of successful aging were identified between women of different age decades. Encouraging positive life perspectives and engaging seniors in social activities where they live, work, and play can promote positive aging.