Amaging(TM) Growing Old On Purpose

By the time we become older adults, we know it’s important to be more physically active; however, for many of us, there’s something stopping us from moving more. What is one of the key differences between active and inactive older adults? The answer to this question was the focus of a study reported in the Journal of Aging Studies (Franke, 2013). In an article titled, “The Secrets of Highly Active Older Adults,” researchers discussed the secret to active older adults.

The answer is resourcefulness—a personal trait that relies on self-efficacy, self-control, and adaptability. Researchers found people’s environments were important, but resourcefulness was the primary contributor. Oxford Dictionary defines resourcefulness as the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.