“I’m more confident now than I ever used to be”: a preliminary qualitative study of British older adults’ perception and experience of aging positively

Background and Objectives With the changing demographic of older adults population observed around the world, it is important that aging is not simply conceptualized as decline in functioning and physical health, but encompasses positive experiences that impact upon overall well-being. Looking at the aging experience in a particular sociocultural context allows for a more in-depth understanding that could then lead to promotion of positive aging and improvements in aging outcomes in that context. Research Design and Methods The current qualitative study explores through Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis how UK adults have experienced aging. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the aim to look closely into their subjective experiences and perceptions of positive aging in the UK. Analysis was undertaken through the lens of self-determination theory. Results Participants maintained a sense of wellness and positivity despite the challenges they faced in their aged bodies and declining health. They demonstrated autonomy though self-acceptance and indulging personal interests, competence through generativity and preparedness, and relatedness through capacity for connection with others, and appreciating living harmoniously with those they cared. Discussion and Implications This study presents a conceptualization of positive aging that can be applied to understand the aging process and experiences of older adults more broadly, which could aid policy and interventions targeting older adults.