Successful ageing criticisms and lay perspectives: a large language model-assisted systematic review (2012–2023) using a three-level analytical framework

Abstract The study of lay perspectives has partially addressed criticisms levelled at successful ageing models. Yet, it remains an open question whether the exploration of older adults’ perspectives offers the potential for an increased contextual understanding of successful ageing. This systematic review aimed to assess the extent to which lay perspectives enabled an individual, contextual, and socio-structural analysis of successful ageing. We conducted a systematic search of articles published between 2012 and 2023. Using human and AI-based coding, we examined the study aim and discussion sections, to identify the levels of analysis through which lay perspectives were addressed and interpreted. Findings showed that researchers addressed and interpreted lay perspectives more often through an individual level approach, but much less through a contextual perspective, and even less according to a socio-structural lens. More specifically, studies’ understanding of successful ageing was largely oriented towards behaviours, resources, and social characteristics of interviewed individuals, with less attention to the role of territory, historical contexts, social institutions and inequalities. Our findings suggest that while exploring lay perspectives, the study of successful ageing maintains its primary focus on individual issues. The increasing demographic ageing calls for future research to place greater emphasis on contextual and socio-structural levels of analysis, and to harmonize the heterogeneous use of these analysis levels around a successful ageing framework enabling cross-cultural comparisons. Policymakers need to acknowledge the importance of considering contextual and socio-structural influences, to promote an inclusive approach to successful ageing.