The Rowe and Kahn model of successful aging has changed our view of aging from a deficit to resource model but attention is needed to assure that successful aging includes people of all types, histories, and resources; not only those rich uniquely privileged with regard to disease and disability, cognitive and physical functioning and engagement in life. We suggest an integration of the Convoy Model of Social Relations into the Successful Aging Model as a potentially useful approach for addressing these criticisms. We describe two field experiments originally designed to test the Successful Aging Model and demonstrate how social networks provide a unique pathway to successful aging that can be useful for all populations rather than a privileged minority. Results from the intervention among less advantaged populations indicate that improvement and ‘success’ can also be achieved among people who have experienced a life time of significantly greater challenges. Results support the suggestion that integrating the Convoy Model of Social Relations into the Successful Aging Model will help facilitate achieving this goal. We conclude with a call to recognize the potential of social relations to influence and create unique models of successful aging appropriate to individuals in varying and challenging circumstances.