Self-compassion and Healthy Aging

Abstract

Recent developments in medical and technological fields have caused the life expectancy to be much longer than the previous times in history and led researchers to seek the ways of spending this period in the most effective, healthy and happy way. Literature has shown that self-compassion is a factor impacting the psychological and physical health in aging period; however, there is a dearth of research on this topic in our country. This study aims to discuss the results of studies on this topic in the literature, provide information on the benefits and ways of developing self-compassion in old adults and provide a source for the students, researchers, politicians and practitioners in the field. In this review, the relationship between self-compassion and physical and psychological health have been discussed, intervention programs on self compassion have been presented, and directions for future research has been provided.

Keywords

• self-compassion
• healthy aging
• psychological health
• physical health
• intervention