Study protocol for applying flourishing to healthy aging: a cross-cultural exploration of older adults' lived experiences and experts' perspectives

Healthy aging is often misinterpreted as merely delaying biological aging and extending longevity, overlooking the broader dimensions of wellbeing and quality of life in later years. Dominant biomedical frameworks frequently underestimate the human essence in aging, neglecting the holistic and multidimensional aspects of life that contribute to thriving in late adulthood. This study applies the concept of flourishing to examine healthy aging by integrating Martin Seligman's PERMA model of well-being and Ryff's six-dimensional model of psychological wellbeing. The purpose of this research is to explore the concept and process of aging by comparing the lived experiences of older adults with the perspectives of stakeholders involved in older adult care across two cultural contexts: India and Spain. Specifically, the study aims to identify factors and psychosocial protective elements that support flourishing, quality of life, and cognitive well-being in late adulthood, and to compare these factors across two cultures. A total of thirty older adults and thirty stakeholders will be recruited across the two countries using purposive sampling. Semi-structured in depth interviews will be conducted, guided by phenomenological inquiry for older adults and interpretative inquiry for stakeholders, using separate interview guides for each group. Data will be analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings are expected to provide insights into person-centered, culturally sensitive, non-pharmacological interventions and policies that support holistic well-being in later life. This study contributes to reframing aging as a process of "growing old well," emphasizing well-being and quality of life across the lifespan.