CAN INCREASED EDUCATION TO THE PUBLIC - OPTIMIZE AGING? - RESULTS OF STRUCTURED INTERVIEWS WITH OLDER EXPERTS IN AGING

Sep 29, 2026

Study findings examine whether best practices in geriatrics and gerontology, developed by retired experts in aging, were validated by their own lived aging experience. A convenience sample of experts aged over 65 in gerontology, geriatrics, and/or aging completed structured interviews focused on aging experience and how career-linked expertise affected it. Nineteen interviews were analyzed (mean age 75.4; 63% male; 21% living alone). Although 84% reported physical or mental health issues, 95% considered themselves aging well, attributing success to purpose, relationships, coping with losses, and preparation for functional decline. Results indicate that wider community education before retirement may improve population aging outcomes.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Methods

Findings

Implications

726 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.2472 CAN INCREASED EDUCATION TO THE PUBLIC OPTIMIZE AGING? RESULTS OF STRUCTURED INTERVIEWS WITH OLDER EXPERTS IN AGING Sue Hazelett1, and F. Michael Martin2, 1. Summa Health System, Akron, Ohio, United States, 2. Retired, Williamsburg, Virginia, United States The first major cohort of experts in aging who developed the theories that guide today’s best practices in geriatrics and gerontology are now experiencing aging themselves. We examined strategies used by retired aging-related experts throughout their own aging experience to determine whether the best practices that guided their professional practice impacted and are validated by their own lived aging experience. A convenience sample of experts age > 65 in the fields of gerontology, geriatrics, and/or aging were interviewed using a structured survey. Questions focused on their aging experience and how their career-associated expertise affected it. Nineteen interviews were completed with an average age of 75.4, 63% male, and 21% living alone. 16 of 19 (84%) indicated they have experienced physical or mental health issues and yet 95% consider themselves aging well. Factors rated by respondents as important contributors to this were maintaining purpose (89%), keeping/ forming relationships (100%), maintaining health (84%), coping with losses (100%), and preparing for functional decline (95%). They reported their professional knowledge allowed them to better prepare for inevitable losses through intentional physical activity, maintaining personal relationships, financial planning, and better lifestyle choices. 84% rated their previous career as important in helping them age successfully. These results suggest that greater efforts Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 727 towards widespread education of community-based adults regarding common aging-related issues prior to them reaching retirement age could significantly improve the aging experience for large portions of the population by allowing them to prepare for likely age-related outcomes, just as these aging experts found for themselves.

FAQs

What was the study designed to determine?

The study examined whether strategies used by retired aging-related experts during their own professional practice were validated by their lived aging experience.

How were participants selected and what method was used?

A convenience sample of experts aged over 65 in gerontology, geriatrics, and/or aging was interviewed using a structured survey focusing on aging experiences and the influence of their career expertise.

What factors did respondents rate as important for aging well?

Respondents emphasized maintaining purpose, forming and keeping relationships, maintaining health, coping with losses, and preparing for functional decline.

Sep 29, 2026

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