ABSTRACT

The present article aimed at reviewing theories of successful aging and reconceptualizing growing old andKorean older adults in the aged society. Disengagement theory, activity theory, selective optimization withcompensation (SOC), and Rowe and Kahn’s model of successful aging were reviewed and compared in terms ofthe foundations of conceptualizations of aging, basic assumptions of theories. It is emphasized that older adultsshould be reconsidered as they are becoming old with their physical, psychological and social aging. It is also emphasized that the theories of successful aging should be eclectically applied to understand the elderly.