Wellbeing starts with you – regardless of age

Wellbeingstarts with you –regardless ofage

People aim to achieve wellbeing based on their goals, abilities and prospects. Humans are naturally motivated to personally decide on their life, use their skills and act socially, also in older age.

Wellbeing increases when you can act according to your goals in matters that are important to you. As your physical functioning gets weaker when getting older, you may give up or change your goals, which may lead to passivation. In such a situation, people can be helped to see their situation in a new way, adopt new goals and develop ways to promote activity.

The image of old age is often based on outdated generalisations. According to research results, the functional ability of older people has improved and old age starts later than it used to.

Most people between the age of 65 and 70 are relatively healthy and have an active supporting role in their families. In addition, most people older than this lead an active adult life that includes developing themselves and activities based on their interests. The need for treatment becomes more common only in the last years or months of life.

Activity and wellbeing can and must be fostered until the end of life, even though its forms may change.

Taina Rantanen is a professor of gerontology and public health at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences. The European Research Council has awarded Professor Rantanen a distinguished ERC Advanced Grant funding of more than two million euros. The recipients of the funding are especially merited senior researchers.