Successful Ageing through the Eyes of Manipuri Elders

A popular held belief about ageing is that it is often associated with decline in physical and cognitive health. However there is much more to old age than weakness and ill health. Successful ageing is a person's ability to accept their age related changes and live a life of joy and satisfaction. The main objective of the present study is to understand the concept of successful ageing especially from the point of view of elderly people. The sample comprised 36 elderly aged 65 and above living in Manipur. 14 Semi structured open ended questionnaires were formulated and given to each participant. The data were qualitatively analyzed with content analysis theory method which yielded five major themes: subjective well being, family support, religion and spirituality, supportive community and optimism. Each of the generated themes highlighted as an important factor that contributes to successful ageing. The study is unique in the sense that it has tried to provide a better understanding and meaning of successful ageing among elderly people through the eyes of the elderly itself.