In Episode 12, Dr. Marilyn Ward and Dr. Sarah Gordon welcome their guest, Dr. Rehan Tahir, to discuss perspectives on successful aging. Dr. Gordon, Dr. Ward, and Dr. Tahir were cohort classmates and recent graduates of Concordia University Chicago's doctoral program in Leadership in Health and Human Performance. 

In this approximately 50-minute conversation, they share their insights based on the findings from their dissertation research on successful aging among older adults. They provide an engaging and dynamic conversation, as they dive into how the research defines successful aging, what barriers exist to successful aging, and how physical activity plays an integral role in aging with good health. They also offer strategies to consider in adapting to aging. 

These three health promotion leaders offer their reflections based on their research studies on how patterns in behavior may reflect the level of exercise motivation older adults have towards being physically active. Dr. Gordon discusses findings from her research on how patterns of intrinsic motivation with highly physically active older triathletes may offer an understanding of how long-term adherence to exercise may be maintained. Dr. Ward shares insights into her 8-week intervention with healthy independent living community residents and their levels of self-efficacy. Dr. Tahir presents his findings on the major themes from his study with a focus on perspectives from older sedentary adults with mild-to-moderate depression. 

These three lenses to explore successful aging offer a unique conversation, blending their dissertation research findings and reflections into a meaningful conversation about aging. Through their innovative doctoral research studies, each fills a gap in the literature and provides new information in understanding perspectives on successful aging. 

All information in this episode and The PhD Journey Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used or deemed professional advice. Thank you for taking the time to listen to this conversation. We are deeply grateful and will always strive to provide meaningful content on this platform.