Self-Determination Theory and Healthy Aging

This book pioneers evidence-based research on healthy aging through the application of self determination theory (SDT). Its uniqueness is located in the fact that to date, no other work has applied SDT to the empirical study of aging populations. The authors focus on how SDT drives healthy, successful and active aging, and note that the motivation factors underpinning healthy aging are often neglected, or altogether absent, in the existing literature. This edited volume is particularly timely given the expanding aging crisis in many North American, European and Asian contexts. The collection of chapters meets this challenge head-on in comparing these contexts vis-a-vis a broad international scope, and subsequent discussions on important specialty issues in aging, such as hearing and memory loss. The work offers global perspectives on aging, autonomy and associated life challenges, as well as factors relating to the sustainability of healthy aging in terms of physical and mental well-being. This book will be highly relevant to researchers in the SDT community, as well as specialists in aging and gerontology. It will also be of interest to lifespan psychologists and developmental psychologists. 

• Self-Determination Theory
• Healthy ageing
• Well-being in elderly adults
• Self regulation
• Psychological needs for the elderly
• Personal development
• Intrinsic life goals
• Psychological need satisfaction
• Informal caregiving
• Autonomy support
• Community environment in promoting and sustaining healthy ageing
• Mental well-being
• Social Affiliation
• Supportive environment

• National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore

  Betsy Ng

• Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore

  Gloria Ho

Betsy Ng obtained her PhD from the Nanyang Technological University. She is a researcher and lecturer at the National Institute of Education. She has been actively involved in education research since 2009. To date, she has over 40 peer-reviewed articles and conference paper presentations. Having a strong interest in education, Betsy has an extensive working experience as an education specialist, polytechnic lecturer, science editor, and educator in a range of educational settings. Her areas of expertise include motivation and lifelong learning. She also has research interests in positive psychology and gerontology. 

Gloria Ho obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the National University of Singapore. Her research interests lie in understanding the mechanisms underlying learning and memory, as well as the mediating roles of emotion and motivation. In particular, she is keen in exploring how the interplay of these factors may promote self-discovery, self-development, and well-being. Her experience as an educator in Japan, one of the world’s rapidly aging country, led to her foray into gerontology, and investigation of how policy makers, technologies, and social opportunities may encourage healthy aging among individuals.

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