ABSTRACT

Age related symptoms appear earlier than retirement. Considering the beginning of ageing earlier than the age of 65, our research seeks to explore ageing representations of middle-aged adults (age 50-60) facing the transition to the third age, successful ageing representations and strategies they employ in order to reduce the discrepancy between realistic and ideal ageing. We conducted 17 interviews (10 women, 7 men) and analyzed them employing thematic analysis. Results show that aging signs are a cue for age perception, successful ageing is a multidimensional process facilitated by use of internal control coping strategies. These findings draw attention to the dynamic social shaping of ageing perceptions and the great potential of intervening before retirement. Interventions should target changing negative ageing representations, promote social engagement, increase social support, develop effective coping strategies, promote health behaviors, an active lifestyle and post-retirement health.

KEYWORDS: ageing representations, successful ageing, retirement, health

PAGES:495-508