Productive Aging 

By Nina Chen, Ph.D.
Human Development Specialist 

Some people have negative feelings about being old.  They view older people as a burden, a problem, vulnerable, poor, and dependent.  Dr. Helen Kerschner, Director of University of New Mexico Center on Aging defined “productive aging” as recognizing “the human resource and human asset of our older population….their need for and interest in involvement… and the potential social and economic contributions which our elders can make to themselves, their families, their neighbors and society as a whole.”

Dr. Kerschner further addressed the productive promotion hypotheses:  Older people are a resource, represent an opportunity, are usually healthy, are consumers, independent, and need involvement.  So what do you think about your attitude or that of your parents or older relatives toward productive aging?

The National Institute on Productive Aging and Retirement compiled information on the keys to healthy aging from focus groups consisting of retirees from throughout the United States.  The following are keys to healthy aging:

• being busy

• being happy

• being joyful

• volunteering

• self discipline

• helping others

• keeping active

• being with family

• healthy self image

• continuing to learn

• optimism and hope

• caring about others

• continuing to travel

• good mental outlook

• keeping an active mind

• being glad for every day

• kindness toward others

• experiencing new things

• having meaningful work

• mental and physical health

• being a productive citizen

• concern for those with less

• having an interest in others

• involvement in community

• helping make the world a better place.

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