Perceptions of aging well among older adults with heart failure: insights from a qualitative study

The study examined how older adults with heart failure perceive aging well. The research involved 20 participants with a mean age of 69 years, of whom 50 percent were women and 50 percent identified as Black. Despite functional limitations, 65 percent of participants reported aging well. Five main themes were identified: maintaining physical function, maintaining cognitive function, sustaining social relationships, avoiding pain, and promoting overall well-being. The research showed that neighborhood context influences priorities – in wealthier areas, financial stability was emphasized, while in less affluent communities, social cohesion was prioritized. Older adults with heart failure often perceive their aging as well despite chronic illness, thereby reformulating the concept of successful aging beyond the traditional model focused on disease absence.