Investigation of the relationship between aging attitude and successful aging in individuals over the age of 65

Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between attitudes towards ageing and successful ageing in individuals aged 65 and over. Materials and Methods: This study was descriptive and exploratory in nature. The study was conducted between 5 August 2024 and 10 January 2025 with individuals aged 65 and over who applied to the Karaman Family Health Centre affiliated with the Merkezefendi District Health Directorate in Denizli. The research was completed with 300 elderly individuals using a random sampling method. The data for the research were collected through face-to-face interviews using the Socio-Demographic Questionnaire, the Successful Aging Scale, and the European Attitudes to Aging Scale. In the analysis of the data, the following statistical methods were used: mean, standard deviation, median, independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, ANOVA test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Correlation test, simple linear regression, and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The average score for the Successful Aging Scale among older adults was 45.29±10.05 (Min:20, Max:64), the average score for the healthy living subscale was 14.81±3.26 (Min:6, Max:21), and the average score for the coping subscale was 30.48±7.88 (Min:13, Max:46). Men, individuals aged 65-74, those with a high level of education, employed, without chronic diseases, married, perceiving their health status as good, with a higher income level, living in their own home and with their spouse were found to have significantly higher levels of successful ageing (p<0,05). In our study, a high level of positive correlation was found between attitude toward aging and successful aging (r=0,706; p<0,001). It was determined that attitude toward aging positively and significantly predicts successful aging at a rate of 50% (R2=0.498). Conclusion: The levels of successful ageing among elderly individuals were found to be slightly above average. A highly significant relationship was determined between attitudes towards ageing and successful ageing. Based on these findings, it may be recommended that nurses plan initiatives to encourage successful ageing, taking attitudes towards ageing into consideration.