A JOURNEY TO YOUTH IN OLD AGE: AN INTRINSIC CASE OF SUCCESSFUL AGING

Recent studies portray significant paradoxes about perspectives and realities of aging. Amid threats of the Covid-19 pandemic, global unrest and rapid aging, some useful practices have been proven to meet successful aging (SA). Supported by the Activity and Continuity Theories of Aging, this intrinsic case study explored the inimitable journey of an 80-year old man towards successful aging. Using content analysis (Berelson, 1952) of a three-year period of observations, artifacts, archival records and in-depth interviews of the main participant, his relatives and friends, the primary data generated four themes that contribute to SA: 1) inner strength 2) stable relationship; 3) quality social interactions; and 4) continuity of youth practices and habits. The study proposes that successful aging is a creative experience unique to every human in every culture and context.