The role of social factors in the successful ageing – Systematic review

Abstract

Ageing is a complex phenomenon that should be studied in a multidisciplinary approach examining the biological, psychological, and social determinants in it. There is a lack of understanding of how social factors contribute to a better and healthier way of ageing. Based on previous studies social factors have a more essential role in ageing successfully. These factors have a significant influence on mental and physical health as well. The present review aims to collect the most researched social factors related to successful ageing and to examine the associations revealed between social factors and successful ageing. We conducted a systematic review by the guidelines of the PRISMA statements. We examined the studies included by using a qualitative synthesis to identify the most important social factors and their role in successful ageing. In total, 18 original articles published in English between 2015 and 2020 were included in the review. The examined social factors related to successful ageing can be classified into four categories: Social engagement/participation, Social support, Social integration/network, and Socio-demographic/Socioeconomic factors. Social factors are modifiable and protective determinants, they could eliminate the negative effects of psychological factors while modifying the effects of physical determinants of ageing at the same time. Our results have implications for future studies, as successful ageing should be examined in a multidimensional way. They should provide further evidence for the mediating/moderating importance of social factors which also have relevance in practice. Social factors could provide a quality life for years to come.