Jennefer Ruiz
December 5, 2017
PSYC 370/FCS 324
Professor Strimling
Assignment #14
Aging Successfully
A person I believe is aging successfully would be my father-in-law Phillip. He is extremely active,
mountain biking or biking daily for miles, he is a vegetarian, eats very healthy foods, loves to cook, has
his own garden, he is very social, enjoys hanging out with his family and friends, is very active in his
business, and loves to vacation with his wife. I think he is aging great because he has healthy eating
habits, still gets things done, is a social butterfly, and exercising is part of his daily life. He had heart
surgery 20 years ago, from that point on he changed his entire lifestyle, making a promise to himself and
his family that he would be healthy in every way.
Santrock (2016) states, “with a proper diet, an active lifestyle, mental stimulation and flexibility,
positive coping skills, good social relationships and support, and the absence of disease, many abilities
can be maintained or in some cases even improved as we get older”. Phillip displays all of these positive
aspects of aging. He is cognitively functioning and is constantly challenging his cognitive abilities through
reading, puzzles, and work related to his business. He is also emotionally selective and makes the best of
his decisions.
Santrock, J. W. (2016). Essentials of Life-Span Development. NewYork, NY:McGraw-Hill Education.