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Abstract

Introduction: As lifespan increases across Canada, appropriate healthy aging assessments are necessary to ensure that healthspan keeps pace. However, existing healthy aging assessments operate from a medical model, overlook subtle health changes that could inform preventative approaches, and are not co-designed with older adults. Objective: To inform future development of assessment tools and services that operate from a holistic, person-centered model; are multifactorial; incorporate the perspectives of older adults; and detect subtle indicators of healthy aging. Methods: A two-phase study was conducted. Phase 1 consisted of an integrative review of Canadian research literature to identify existing CGAs and their features. Phase 2 consisted of a semi-structured focus group, in which 3 older adults shared their perspectives on health, wellbeing, and healthy aging. Findings: Phase 1 revealed that few articles describe CGAs in sufficient detail to inform the development of future assessment tools. Those that do either name a specific CGA present in the literature or specify the subscales used to assess each domain of the CGA. Phase 2 revealed seven themes, split into two domains, representing how older adults conceptualize healthy aging and how healthcare can support their aging process. Themes include continuing to grow with age, viewing aging as a positive experience, and the benefits of person-centered healthcare. Conclusion: The information gleaned from this study will inform the development of future assessment tools and services for older adults by (1) outlining the structure and content of existing CGAs and (2) ensuring that future assessment tools incorporate older adults’ perspectives.