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A Double Test on the Importance of Spirituality, the “Forgotten Factor”, in Successful Aging

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Abstract

Rowe and Kahn proposed a model of successful aging, tapping several characteristics of the aging process. However, Rowe and Kahn’s model of successful aging has recently been criticized for not incorporating spirituality in the model. Additionally, life satisfaction has long been recognized as a marker of aging well. Taking life satisfaction as a key outcome of successful aging, the aim of this study is to test for the predictive power of spirituality dimensions on life satisfaction, while controlling for the components of successful aging. Data came from a cross-sectional survey design of 224 community-dwelling Spanish elderly. Structural models with two different measures of spirituality were estimated, and the results fully supported the key role of spirituality for a successful aging. The models predicted life satisfaction with several indicators of Rowe and Kahn’s model and spirituality dimensions. Overall, life satisfaction of the elderly was strongly related to the indicators, and spirituality strongly aided to the prediction of life satisfaction. Results of this research agree with recent literature, as spirituality seemed to be a key element when picturing successful aging, and thus, it should be taken into account in future studies addressing this topic.

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Acknowledgments

Laura Galiana is beneficiary of a VLC/CAMPUS grant, subprogram Atracció de Talent (University of Valencia).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Methodology for the Behavioral Sciences, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010, Valencia, Spain

    J. M. Tomás, L. Galiana & A. Oliver

  2. Department of Education, Catholic University of St. Anthony, Murcia, Spain

    P. Sancho

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  1. J. M. Tomás
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  3. L. Galiana
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Correspondence to J. M. Tomás.

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Tomás, J.M., Sancho, P., Galiana, L. et al. A Double Test on the Importance of Spirituality, the “Forgotten Factor”, in Successful Aging. Soc Indic Res 127, 1377–1389 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-015-1014-6

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