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Abstract
The purpose of this research was to study the ways of thinking of the elderly about their self-image; to explain how to define “successful aging” ; and to study key conditions for supporting or impeding successful aging from the elderly’s perspective. Using qualitative research methods (in=depth interview, participant observation, narrative) in 19 elderly (9 men and 10 women) from piyamal elderly center from October 2005 to January 2006. The results showed that the way of thinking linked to the individual ways of life and leads to the ultimate goal. The elderly’s experiences were diversified by cultural contexts, so their ways of life, which they designed, suitable to be age successfully. “Successful aging” is a thinking process through life-time experiences. Successful elders have to readjust their roles that is suitable for their existing competency. Their needs or to help others rather than themselves. “Successful aging” requires healthiness, self-dependency, awareness of quality of life, having belief and devotion to lead the life, strictly adhere to morality, being a thought leader, working for community to be virtue and benefit for common. The influencing factors are physical and mental health, security in life course, social acceptance, and social sphere to create self-value and promote “self” of elders.
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