To Remain Independent, Older Adults Rely On Self, Others

May 24, 2002

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The key to remaining independent late in life may lie in maintaining a balance between self-sufficiency and reliance on outside factors, a recent University of Florida study has shown.

The study found that 56 percent of seniors 85 and older attributed their independence to a combination of internal factors they can control, such as diet and personality characteristics, and external sources, including past or current circumstances and supportive family members.

The research, published in the February issue of the Journal of Aging Studies, shows that independence is achievable at 85 and beyond by relying on both internal and external sources, as well as by adapting to growing older, said Carolyn Wilken, the study’s lead researcher who is affiliated with UF’s Institute on Aging.

“The findings can help families and professionals plan programs and services that help older people remain independent,” said Wilken, an associate professor of family, youth and community sciences at UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. “Having this knowledge is important because it can teach future generations how to be more successful in the later years.”

For the study, 75 people 85 and older – the so-called “master survivors” – were asked to identify the factors they felt were responsible for their ability to stay independent in later life. The participants, selected from a list of Medicare recipients, were living independently in their homes in rural Kansas where they were interviewed by researchers during a 2-hour survey.

While most cited both types of factors as key to keeping them independent, 45 percent attributed their independence exclusively to either internal or external sources. Internal sources include behavioral factors such as eating healthy, staying physically active and keeping the mind engaged with puzzles, games and other hobbies along with personal traits such as patience, tolerance and attitude. External sources – those that are out of a person’s control – consist of genetic traits, environmental factors, circumstances and personal support systems.

The most predominant external force cited by participants was the religious aspect of their lives. Many subjects credited their later-life independence to their own religious activities and beliefs.

The study also found no gender differences. Older men and women attributed their independence to many of the same factors.

Society focuses on people being independent. But as people age, it is only natural to need assistance with some aspects of daily life, Wilken said. The majority of the participants found ways to accept the help of others while still maintaining control over many aspects of their lives.

“A lot can be learned from what these people said about themselves,” she said.