Successful Aging Rates of Global Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis aimed to qualitatively analyze the different aspects of the successful aging (SA) criteria and quantitatively assess the rate of SA and its different dimensions among people aged ≥60 years globally to provide a basis for constructing criteria for SA.

DESIGN

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis, which has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024585934).

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Older adults (≥60 years).

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of science, SCOPUS, and PsycINFO (inception to July 17, 2023) were used to search for relevant studies to evaluate the comprehensive level of SA. A random effects model was used to synthesize SA rates and 95% CIs. Quality assessment was conducted using the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research criteria and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Statistical analyses were conducted using Revman 5.3 and Stata 11.0.

RESULTS

A total of 546,228 older adults from 64 studies were incorporated into the meta-analysis. In the 64 studies, SA criteria mentioned 11 aspects: psychology, disease, cognitive function, physical function, social engagement, disability, independence, self-rated health, economy, memory impairment, and obesity. The meta-analysis indicated that the summary estimate of SA rate among people aged ≥60 years was 22.0% (95% CI 19.0%-25.0%) globally. A meta-analysis was conducted on the 6 aspects included more commonly in SA criteria, and the results showed that the rate of no disability was the highest (72.0%), followed by good psychological status (69%), active social engagement (65%), high cognitive function (64%), and high physical function (62%), with no major diseases being the lowest (50.0%).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The overall estimated SA rate among people aged ≥60 years was 22% globally. The SA criteria mainly include 6 aspects: good psychological status, no major diseases, high cognitive function, high physical function, active social engagement, and no disability. Emphasizing the importance of psychological well-being and chronic disease management, the findings offer valuable insights for future research and policy making related to the welfare of aging populations.

Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier Inc.