Ng, Betsy Ling Ling

This book pioneers evidence-based research on healthy aging through the application of self determination theory (SDT). Its uniqueness is located in the fact that to date, no other work has applied SDT to the empirical study of aging populations. The authors focus on how SDT drives healthy, successful and active aging, and note that the motivation factors underpinning healthy aging are often neglected, or altogether absent, in the existing literature. This edited volume is particularly timely given the expanding aging crisis in many North American, European and Asian contexts. The collection of chapters meets this challenge head-on in comparing these contexts vis-a-vis a broad international scope, and subsequent discussions on important specialty issues in aging, such as hearing and memory loss. The work offers global perspectives on aging, autonomy and associated life challenges, as well as factors relating to the sustainability of healthy aging in terms of physical and mental well-being. This book will be highly relevant to researchers in the SDT community, as well as specialists in aging and gerontology. It will also be of interest to lifespan psychologists and developmental psychologists.

This chapter posits a conceptual framework of push and pull factors relating to travel motivation in senior adults using the self-determination theory (SDT). In response to the increasing need for active and healthy aging, it is important to empower our senior adults with the positive mindset that they can still travel abroad despite of mobility challenges. Most senior adults are reluctant to travel abroad or outside of their hometown, primarily due to their perceived mobility which is related to autonomy, perceived travel competence and relatedness. With a suitable traveling companion, their need for relatedness could be satisfied. However, senior adults may face travel challenges such that their needs for autonomy and competence may be compromised (or may not be easily fulfilled). Empirical research has shown a strong bilateral relationship between autonomy and competence. If a senior adult feels that there is a perceived mobility challenge to travel out of the country, his or her perceived travel autonomy and competence may be undermined. This may lead to a lack of intrinsic motivation and a diminished impact of push factors (e.g., motivation). This preliminary exploration of autonomous motivation and satisfaction of basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence and relatedness) in relation to traveling for senior adults is a timely move as it provides insights into motivational strategies to promote healthy aging. In addition, benefits of travel motivation among senior adults will be explored and discussed.

This first chapter introduces various terms related to aging, namely successful aging, active aging, and healthy aging. The key objective of this opening chapter is to recognize the variations of aging terms and operationalize healthy aging that is used throughout the book. With an increasing aging population across the world, healthy aging is a multifaceted concept that is relevant in today’s global context. Three aspects of healthy aging herein include physiological, psychological and social factors, which will support the quality of life among individuals as they age. These physiological, psychological and social factors are discussed with specific elements and examples in the context of healthy aging. The capacity for healthy aging is also discussed.

Moving beyond individual factors, this chapter discusses the importance of building an environment with appropriate infrastructure, facilities, and measures to buffer against age-related physical and cognitive decline, and which promotes intergenerational interactions within a community. Using a self-determination theory (SDT) approach, three environmental aspects and their influences on healthy aging are examined: (1) the built environment, (2) public policies and services, and (3) opportunities for community involvement. Drawing support from existing literature, this chapter aims to elucidate ways in which the environment can positively influence the three basic psychological needs of individuals, thereby supporting healthy aging, and posits intergeneration interaction is an important element in sustaining healthy aging within the community.