ABSTRACT
The final chapter summarizes the key ideas that have been presented in earlier chapters and proposes that, of the ingredients noted, acceptance and personal control are especially important and can be considered as two sides of one coin. These two ingredients are said to be central in attaining and maintaining well-being particularly in late life. The views of scholars who have highlighted alternative views as to what is key to successful aging are also noted, such as the importance of remaining active, and being selective, optimizing, compensating, and accommodating when possible. The chapter also addresses the importance of viewing acceptance not as equivalent to resignation but as an active choice, a way to preserve resources so a person can “seize the day” and live as fully as possible in the present.
