Book contents
- The Cambridge Handbook of Successful Aging
- The Cambridge Handbook of Successful Aging
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Contributors
- Introduction
- 1 The Concept of Successful Aging and Related Terms
- 2 The Biomedical Bases of Successful Aging
- 3 Successful Aging and the Longevity Revolution
- Part I Biomedical Aspects
- Part II Psychosocial Factors
- 16 Bio-Psycho-Social Bridge
- 17 The Adaptation Process of Aging
- 18 Behavioral Health
- 19 Effects of Environmental Enrichment and Training across Life Span in Cognition
- 20 Wisdom
- 21 Emotions and Successful Aging
- 22 Personal Control and Successful Aging
- 23 Coping Mechanisms through Successful Aging
- 24 Spirituality and Transcendence
- 25 Intergenerational Family Relationships and Successful Aging
- 26 Involvement with Life and Social Networks
- 27 Defining “Success” in Exceptional Longevity
- 28 Promoting Successful Aging
- 29 Promoting Successful Aging in the Community
- Part III Socio-Demographic Issues
- Index
- References
22 - Personal Control and Successful Aging
from Part II - Psychosocial Factors
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 January 2019
Book contents
- The Cambridge Handbook of Successful Aging
- The Cambridge Handbook of Successful Aging
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Contributors
- Introduction
- 1 The Concept of Successful Aging and Related Terms
- 2 The Biomedical Bases of Successful Aging
- 3 Successful Aging and the Longevity Revolution
- Part I Biomedical Aspects
- Part II Psychosocial Factors
- 16 Bio-Psycho-Social Bridge
- 17 The Adaptation Process of Aging
- 18 Behavioral Health
- 19 Effects of Environmental Enrichment and Training across Life Span in Cognition
- 20 Wisdom
- 21 Emotions and Successful Aging
- 22 Personal Control and Successful Aging
- 23 Coping Mechanisms through Successful Aging
- 24 Spirituality and Transcendence
- 25 Intergenerational Family Relationships and Successful Aging
- 26 Involvement with Life and Social Networks
- 27 Defining “Success” in Exceptional Longevity
- 28 Promoting Successful Aging
- 29 Promoting Successful Aging in the Community
- Part III Socio-Demographic Issues
- Index
- References
Summary
A broad range of studies conducted over the past 50 years suggests that the perception of personal control is an important construct to successful aging. When people feel that they can exert control, they tend to experience better psychological and physical health. For example, those who experience perceived control demonstrate better immune responses, cardiovascular functioning, physical strength, increased life satisfaction, and decreased anxiety and depressive symptoms. We will describe the literature surrounding the relationship between perceived control and successful aging. We will also survey the literature on self-efficacy, mastery, attributional style, and locus of control, which have all often been used interchangeably with the notion of perceived control. We will also discuss how perceived control can be maximized through the lens of mindfulness without meditation (Langerian mindfulness). In this framework, mindfulness is defined as the simple process of noticing new things, a process that promotes flexible responding to the demands of the environment and perception of control. Both lack of perceived control and mindlessness are rooted in rigidity and a view of the world as unchangeable. We will present suggestions about how the simple act of noticing new things improves the perception of control and facilitates successful aging.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- The Cambridge Handbook of Successful Aging , pp. 384 - 400Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2019
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