1. Karyssaann Costagliola
Research Article Critique: Successful Aging among Assisted Living Community Older Adults
HCS 300
Professor Long
November 6, 2014

2. 1. Title: Successful Aging Among Assisted Living Community Older Adults
Author: Maryalice Kozar-Westman, MSN, RN, Meredith Troutman-Jordan, PhD,
RN, & Mary A. Nies, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAAHB
2. Abstract: This article looks at the effects of aging and factors that contribute to the
success of aging with little complications. It takes in data from both the older adults’
perspective and actual statistics of aging adults. Its’ intent is to give the reader an
understanding and insight in the aging process.
3. Introduction: Successful aging is something that is highly researched a something
everyone wants to know when it comes to their own lives. It is shown that by 2030 the
elderly populations will more than double. The increase in aging will also increase the
need for health care providers due to chronic illness that comes with age. If preventative
measures are taken it could lead to the successful aging of every person in the U.S.
4. Purpose: Line 1. This study investigated the suitability of using the Successful Aging
Inventory in an effort to describe successful aging among older adults currently living in
assisted living communities and to further assess some of the characteristics of successful
aging in this group.
5. Hypotheses: Can a person really have successful aging even with preventative measures?
6. Study:

3. A) Sample: There were 200 participants age range of 52-100 with a mean age of
79.87 from eight assisted living communities in North Carolina and 85% were
white and 14% were black.
B) Methods: The participants were screened using Mini-Cog; Purpose in Life
test, Life Satisfaction Inventory-A, instrumentation was composed of the SAI,
and the Centers for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale
C) Procedure: There were differences found between genders and successful
aging showing that women seemed to have a higher success in aging.
7. Results: The two hundred participants that participated in the study was used to achieve
the 10 participant per 20 SAI items. All participants reported being white or black with
about 2.4% not disclosing race. The age range of 52-100 only two people reported being
less than 65 years old. The people who participated in the study were rated on their
health by reporting exercise, relationship status, education, perceived aging, income, and
if they already had a chronic illness. The SAI, LSI-A, and PIL scores were negatively
skewed and the CESD scores were positively skewed. (TABLE 5). The study showed
lower scores on depressive symptoms and higher scores in successful aging. LSI-A and
PIL were positively correlated with SAI and if research continues it could give
imperative information for a better understanding to the key in successful aging among
different groups and interventions used to promote the successful aging in adults.
8. Summary & Conclusion: The studies done and the data collected show there is proof
that there is successful aging amongst the elderly in assisted living communities.
9. Suggestion for Improvement or further study: The study should also include area that
the participants live in including average temperatures and other factors that could

4. promote better health. If they would do another study or larger study including different
states from different points of the U.S. would also be beneficial in proving their facts.