Successful Aging in Indonesia: The Journey Toward Expectations and Serenity

Abstract

Development of aging policies and activities needs perspective from older adults to ensure the inclusion of older adults’ values and needs. The purpose of this study is to investigate the perspective on and experience in achieving successful aging from older adults who live in the community in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. A qualitative study using a phenomenological approach was employed to obtain the data from 21 community-dwelling older adults aged 60+ years old and to analyze the data using Colaizzi’s method of phenomenological data analysis. The analysis concludes that successful aging is a process of attaining serenity by managing expectations with adjustment, acceptance, and gratitude. The expectations include the autonomy and health, fulfillment of necessities, family attainments and relationship, and harmonious social relationship. Successful aging programs should support older adults’ process in achieving expectations and improve their capacity to adapt and experience serenity as they age.