Research Square, cilt.0, ss.1-18, 2023 (SCI-Expanded)
Introduction: With better living conditions and medical advances globally, the longevity of people is
increasing worldwide, demonstrating the importance of successful aging.
Aim: To investigate the psychometric properties of the Turkish Successful Aging Scale (SAS) among
older adults 60 years and older in Turkey.
Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from 206 older individuals registered with an Active Senior
Center between April and May 2019. Inclusion criteria were literate in Turkish, aged ≥60 years, no
dementia, newly registered with the Active Senior Center, and volunteered to participate in the study.
Results: A low mean (SD) sum-score for the SAS 16.18 (5.15) revealed, with no significant association
with age, income, marital status, working, and chronical illness. Principal Component Analysis indicated
two factors explaining 54,75% of the variance. Confirmative Factor Analysis disclosed a poor fit,
indicating misspecification. A model including 6 items and two dimensions was the most parsimonious
and best fitting solution: χ
2=14.487 (df=8), χ2/df=1.81, p=0.0001, RMSEA=0.063, p-value for test of close
fit=0.0295, CFI=0.99, TLI=0.97, and SRMR 0.033. Composite reliability for the two dimensions were good
and acceptable, respectively.
Conclusion: The validity and reliability of the Turkish SAS two-dimensional measurement-model is
acceptable. However, some items seemed redundant plausibly due to translation and cultural aspects.
Possibly, the SAS content developed in a western context is highly culturally sensitive; working further on
the Turkish wording and validation is recommended. Moreover, Turkish health authorities should
acknowledge a health promotion perspective supporting positive life behaviors among elderlies both at a
system-oriented and an individual level.