Diverse approaches to conceptualising positive ageing: A scoping review

Abstract

To be realistic and meaningful, positive ageing conceptualisations should involve a diverse range of perspectives. Yet, problematically, perspectives are often distinguished as ‘researcher versus older adult’. In this scoping review, we suggest that distinguishing perspectives based on the data collection and interpretation approach is more meaningful. Guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework, we explored diverse positive ageing literature (from across conceptual origins and discourses) to clarify how positive ageing for community-dwelling older adults has been conceptualised. To reflect diverse data and interpretation perspectives, we considered both etic (closed/validatory) and emic (open/exploratory) approaches and developed a conceptual model of positive ageing that consolidated diverse literature and approaches. We synthesised 75 articles and determined that etic and emic approaches generally included similar features; however, emic approaches considered more comprehensive and complex features. Our multidimensional and holistic positive ageing model illustrates the range of unique factors which contribute to the health and well-being of older adults. Furthermore, we find that positive ageing literature largely focuses on individualistic behaviours. Future positive ageing research and policy would have more traction, in our view, if it included wider structural environments to stimulate real-world change. We offer our conceptual model as a useful guide.