https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7196-1923
ABSTRACT
The concept of paying it forward in the context of aging challenges us to create environments, practices, and policies today that anticipate and cater to the needs of aging people of tomorrow. The principle calls for a holistic approach that combines empathy, empowerment, inclusivity, and support to ensure that the later stages of life are embraced with dignity, purpose, and fulfillment. This article explores the multifaceted dimensions of aging within the ethos of paying it forward, emphasizing the collective responsibility to shape a future that enriches the aging experience for current and future generations. Through a series of studies featured in the latest issue of Activities, Adaptation & Aging: Dignified and Purposeful Living for Older Adults, this narrative delves into the adaptability and resilience of older adults, the pivotal role of community support and social participation, the importance of proactive and responsive care, the empowering potential of technology, and the profound impact of wellness practices on the quality of life.
Introduction
The ethos of paying it forward embodies a vision where our actions today lay the groundwork for a better tomorrow.Footnote1 The principle, deeply rooted in reciprocity, prompts us to consider how our decisions and deeds can ripple through time, creating a legacy of kindness, progress, and mutual support. This is about planting seeds now whose fruits will be enjoyed by future generations, ensuring that our collective journey is marked by continued growth and enrichment.
When applied to aging, a universal experience that connects us across generations, the concept of paying it forward takes on a particularly poignant dimension. This principle challenges us to envision and create communities and environments that not only serve the immediate needs of older adults but also proactively address the realities of aging. In this regard, this principle underscores the importance of cultivating societal attitudes, policies, and practices today that will foster a dignified, fulfilling, and supported quality of life for everyone as they age. This principle therefore advocates for a compassionate and holistic approach to aging, one that values empathy, empowerment, inclusivity, and support, ensuring that the later stages of life are embraced with the respect and richness they deserve ().
Figure 1. The framework of paying it forward in aging.
As we delve into the latest issue of Activities, Adaptation & Aging: Dignified and Purposeful Living for Older Adults, we are presented with compelling research that underscores the significance of paying it forward. The studies featured in this issue explore diverse facets of aging, from the adaptability and resilience of older adults in maintaining physical, mental, and social wellbeing to the critical role of community support, proactive care, and the empowering potential of technology. Each article contributes valuable insights into how we can effectively pay it forward, ensuring that the future of aging is one of dignity, purpose, and fulfillment.
Hot off the press
This latest issue of Activities, Adaptation & Aging: Dignified and Purposeful Living for Older Adults delves into eight studies that collectively pave the way for a future where aging is not just about adding years to life, but more importantly, adding life to those years. The insights presented in this issue add to conventional narratives around aging, offering renewed perspectives across five noteworthy themes. As we explore these studies, let us consider how each one ties into our broader endeavor to promote a culture of paying it forward, where every individual’s later years are met with the respect and opportunities they deserve.
Adaptation and resilience
Fish and Trejo Tello (Citation2024) and Mauchley et al. (Citation2024) shed light on the adaptability and resilience of older adults in maintaining physical activity amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. These investigations reveal not just the obstacles encountered but also the innovative strategies employed by older adults to remain active, underscoring the critical role of environmental and community support in this endeavor.
Fish and Trejo Tello’s (Citation2024) analysis of the pandemic’s impact uncovers the stark realities faced by those in assisted living, where physical activity levels generally declined due to health concerns, limited resources, and the psychological toll of restrictive measures like mask-wearing. However, the emergence of adaptive behaviors, such as embracing new forms of exercise tailored to the constraints of aging and quarantine, and finding motivation in the pursuit of holistic wellbeing, illustrates a profound capacity for resilience. Similarly, Mauchley et al. (Citation2024) exploration into the lives of highly active older adults before and during the pandemic highlights an intrinsic motivation for physical activity rooted in personal traits and the importance of accessible resources and social networks. Despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic, such as the closure of recreational facilities, these individuals demonstrated a commendable determination to sustain their physical engagement, leveraging available means and the solidarity of like-minded peers. These studies underscore the imperative of designing and implementing supportive environments that not only recognize but actively cater to the unique challenges and needs of older adults in maintaining physical activity. Facilitating access to resources, enabling social connectivity, and offering flexible, adaptive options for physical engagement should aid and bolster the resilience and wellbeing of older adults.
Championing such adaptive strategies and resilient behaviors, community leaders, healthcare providers, and policymakers can ensure that older adults are not merely surviving but thriving, with ample opportunities to maintain physical activity as a cornerstone of their health and happiness. These studies collectively serve as an important reminder of the spirit of older adults and the collective responsibility to foster an environment that nurtures their physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
Community support and social participation
Levasseur et al. (Citation2024) provide invaluable insights into the transformative potential of personalized citizen assistance for older adults with disabilities, advocating for a more inclusive and supportive approach to social participation. Their study, which involved a dedicated six-month program of community integration facilitated by attendants, sheds light on the multifaceted barriers to social participation, such as adverse weather conditions, physical inaccessibility, and the protective instincts of family members. Yet, it also illuminates the pivotal role that tailored support systems can play in overcoming these obstacles, highlighting the efficacy of the APIC attendant model in fostering greater community engagement among older adults. This study underscores the necessity of constructing social and physical environments that are not only accessible but actively conducive to the participation of older adults, particularly those with disabilities. The presence of an attendant, as shown in the study, goes beyond mere assistance; it translates into a broader optimization of resources that can significantly improve the quality of life for older adults, enabling them to thrive within their communities.
Drawing on these findings, there is a compelling argument to be made for the implementation of policies and practices that prioritize community support and accessible social participation. Such initiatives should aim to dismantle the barriers that hinder older adults from fully engaging in community life, whether they be environmental challenges, physical limitations, and social isolation. Championing more inclusive community integration efforts, we can ensure that older adults, regardless of their physical and mental capabilities, have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the social fabric of their communities. This not only enriches the lives of the individuals directly involved but also strengthens the community as a whole, creating a more empathetic, diverse, and vibrant society. Therefore, the work of Levasseur et al. (Citation2024) serves as a powerful call to action for community leaders, healthcare providers, and policymakers to foster environments that nurture the social participation and wellbeing of all older adults, and by doing so, we pay it forward, creating a future in which every individual can enjoy a life marked by dignity, purpose, and connectedness, regardless of age or ability.
Proactive support and responsive care
Fang (Citation2024) and Mueller et al. (Citation2024) highlight the critical importance of proactive support and responsive care for older adults, especially in times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. These research efforts underscore the value of forward-looking care systems that provide timely support and facilitate smoother transitions into different care settings.
Fang’s (Citation2024) investigation into Information and Assistance Calls offered by Area Agencies on Aging during the pandemic reveals the vital role of proactive communication in addressing the concerns of older adults, particularly those living alone. The findings show a significant relationship between the frequency of calls and the wellbeing of older individuals, pointing to the need for more adaptive and meaningful services. The impact of both inbound and outbound communication underscores the effectiveness of a system that promotes regular interaction to alleviate stress and provide essential support in times of need. Similarly, Mueller et al. (Citation2024) delve into the benefits of subacute rehabilitation experiences for older adults transitioning into long-term care settings. Their study suggests that prior exposure to subacute rehabilitation can ease this transition, highlighting the importance of early and proactive rehabilitation. This approach can provide older adults with the independence and resilience needed for such life changes, advocating for subacute rehabilitation as a critical component of preparatory care. These studies collectively argue for care that is anticipatory and tailored, recognizing and addressing the diverse needs of older adults with proactive support strategies. Establishing responsive care systems that include active communication channels and anticipatory rehabilitation measures, we can ensure that older individuals receive the necessary support to maintain their autonomy and wellbeing, even amidst life’s challenges and transitions.
The insights from Fang (Citation2024) and Mueller et al. (Citation2024) therefore call for community leaders, healthcare providers, and policymakers to adopt and implement proactive and responsive care models. Such models can significantly enhance the support environment for older adults, addressing their immediate needs while also preparing for their future wellbeing, thus embodying the ethos of paying it forward in the landscape of care for older adults.
Technology and empowerment
Chen (Citation2024) and Ewe et al. (Citation2024) present a compelling narrative on the empowering role of technology in enhancing the lives of older adults. These research efforts demonstrate how digital platforms and tools, when accessible and user-friendly, can significantly contribute to feelings of security, social connectivity, and wellbeing among the aging population.
Chen (Citation2024) explores the positive relationship between the use of social apps and the feelings of security among older adults, revealing how digital engagement can lead to an enhanced sense of wellbeing and a reduction in depression. This study underscores the potential of technology to act as a significant enabler of emotional and psychological support, particularly in fostering a sense of connectedness within digital spaces. The findings advocate for the integration of technology into the daily lives of older adults, highlighting the need for accessible and intuitive digital platforms that can cater to older adults’ preferences and requirements. Similarly, Ewe et al. (Citation2024) delve into the psychological factors that motivate older women to embrace technology, identifying key drivers such as a sense of purpose, self-efficacy, continuous learning, self-care, and the pursuit of social support. This study emphasizes the importance of tailoring education and training to enhance the technological proficiency of older adults, particularly in less developed regions. Focusing on the psychological aspects of technology adoption, this study offers valuable insights into how digital literacy initiatives can be designed to be more inclusive, empowering older adults to navigate the digital world confidently.
Collectively, these studies highlight the transformative potential of technology in enriching the lives of older adults, making a strong case for policies and practices that bridge the digital divide. Ensuring older adults have the skills, tools, and support needed to engage with digital technologies, we can open up new avenues for them to enhance their wellbeing, maintain social connections, and enjoy a greater sense of autonomy and security. Therefore, the findings from Chen (Citation2024) and Ewe et al. (Citation2024) call upon community leaders, healthcare providers, and policymakers to prioritize digital inclusion for older adults, wherein fostering an environment that supports digital accessibility and literacy empowers older adults to leverage technology as a tool for accessing vital information and services, enhancing their quality of life, and staying connected with their loved ones, thus truly paying it forward in the age of digital transformation.
Wellness practices and quality of life
Pandya (Citation2024) emphasizes the significant impact that music and meditation can have on the emotional wellbeing and resilience of older adults. This study highlights how participants engaged in music-with-meditation sessions experienced notable improvements in their affect balance, psychological strengths, and overall life satisfaction over a six-month period. The key to these positive outcomes was not only the unique combination of music and meditation but also the consistency of attendance and active participation in the sessions and related practices. These findings advocate for a more holistic approach that transcends conventional medical treatments to include wellness practices that nurture the mind and spirit. Making such practices available for older adults to choose and partake could fundamentally enhance quality of life, offering a path to emotional balance and psychological wellbeing that complements physical health. Moreover, the study underscores the importance of community and social support in facilitating wellness practices. The social interaction and sense of community fostered by regular group sessions contribute significantly to their effectiveness, highlighting the need for creating supportive environments that encourage engagement in such beneficial practices. Prioritizing holistic wellness practices like music and meditation, we not only address the immediate needs of older adults but also set a forward-thinking path that values emotional and psychological health as much as physical wellbeing. Pandya’s (Citation2024) study thus serves as a compelling call to action for community leaders, healthcare providers, and policymakers to embrace and make these practices available, ensuring that as we age, we are supported by an environment that nurtures every aspect of our wellbeing.
Conclusion
Embracing the idea of paying it forward invites us to consider how our contributions, both big and small, can forge a more compassionate, inclusive, and supportive society for our future selves and the generations that follow. Through this article, we endeavored to spark a dialogue on the importance of foresight, empathy, and collective action in shaping the future of aging. The articles in this issue serve as inspirations for how we can contribute to a society that respects, supports, and celebrates aging.
Through rigorous research and creative approaches, the studies featured in this issue underscore the untapped potential in harnessing adaptability and resilience among older adults, especially in the face of global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings reveal not only the obstacles but also the remarkable strategies older individuals employ to maintain emotional well-being and physical activity, emphasizing the pivotal role of environmental and community support.
Additionally, this issue shines a spotlight on the transformative power of personalized citizen assistance, highlighting how tailored support systems can significantly enhance social participation and quality of life for older adults (Fish & Trejo Tello, Citation2024; Mauchley et al., Citation2024), particularly those with disabilities (Levasseur et al., Citation2024). This brings to the forefront the importance of building inclusive communities that foster social connections and empower older individuals to actively engage in the fabric of society.
Addressing the critical need for proactive and responsive care, the studies advocate for anticipatory care models that are attuned to the needs of older adults (Fang, Citation2024; Mueller et al., Citation2024). These models prioritize seamless transitions into different care settings and emphasize the necessity of early and adaptive ideas to ensure autonomy and wellbeing.
As we navigate through the digital age, the issue also explores how technology can serve as a vital tool for empowerment, enhancing connectivity, and security for older adults (Chen, Citation2024; Ewe et al., Citation2024). This calls for bridging the digital divide and equipping older generations with the necessary skills and tools to fully embrace the benefits of digital platforms.
Alas, the focus on wellness practices underscores the profound impact of integrating music and meditation into the lives of older adults (Pandya, Citation2024). These practices offer a path to emotional balance, psychological wellbeing, and overall life satisfaction, highlighting the need for supportive environments that encourage such beneficial engagements.
As we reflect on the insights and implications presented in this issue, it becomes evident that the future of aging well is within our grasp. Embracing creative strategies, fostering inclusive communities, and prioritizing holistic wellbeing, we can ensure that the journey of aging is one marked by dignity, purpose, and fulfillment. This issue serves as a clarion call to community leaders, healthcare providers, and policymakers to pay it forward, shaping a future that honors and uplifts every individual, regardless of age.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Notes
1. Akin to the peer review process for journal publication (Lim, Citation2021; Lim & Bowman, Citation2024).
References
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