A Combination of 3 Life Curves

The research identifies three potential ageing curves, which are identified in the diagram, and are summarised as follows:

  • The Typical/Usual Life Curve shows a steep decline in the ageing process from age 35 and has been described as a steep ski slope.

  • The Pessimistically/Optimistic Life Curve shows a lesser decline, where someone has a more optimistic approach to lifestyle.

  • The Successful Ageing Life Curve strives to maintain, as close as possible, the physical and mental attributes of a 35-year-old until the end, where you drop off life’s cliff. Clearly some decline will be inevitable. This theory also includes compressed morbidity.

Sadly, you’ll note that your body begins to age at 35yrs!
This website is encouraging you to pursue your own successful ageing life curve and live the dream. Remember life is not a dress rehearsal!

Disability Threshold

If someone is pursuing the usual life curve there is a strong chance of falling below the disability threshold, which is indicated in the following diagram.

Combination of 3 life curves with disability threshold
Source: Author

Previously you may have noted 3 age curves identified in the research.

The above diagram is an amendment that shows a few different factors. There is some deterioration in all age curves, however, the deterioration is more gradual in the successful ageing curve until the end. The changes in the diagram include: an extension of the successful ageing life curve and a hypothetical disability threshold has been added to each life curve.

You will recall from the home page that the disability threshold is reached when a person can no longer care for themselves, accordingly, that diagram has again being included. While the emphasis for the successful ageing model is quality of life, increased longevity and compressed morbidity are potential fringe benefits.

Combination of 3 life curves
Source: Author