Validation of a novel successful aging construct.

PURPOSE Assess the validity of our previously published multidimensional concept of Successful Aging that integrates physiological, psychological, and sociological domains of health. DESIGN Three distinctly different populations were used to assess the discriminant and predictive validity. METHODS Data included 1438 women age 65 and older who participated in the Women's Health and Aging Studies I and II (WHAS-I and WHAS-II) and 302 participants in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) study. Outcome measures included ADL and IADL function, self-reported health status, and number of hospitalizations. RESULTS Within the CCRC, the Successful Aging construct discriminated participants with regard to ADL and IADL function and self-reported health status. In both WHAS-I and WHAS- II samples, the construct predicted functional ADL and IADL change over time, and in WHAS-I, it predicted hospitalizations. IMPLICATIONS The Successful Aging construct appears valid and warrants further research and refinement among the general population.