Two roads successful aging model: a new paradigm

Abstract Successful aging is a central theme in social gerontology. However, two perspectives have been drawing rebuttals: the paradox of de-ageism in successful aging and the dualist thinking of successful aging theories. This study aims to address the paradox of de-ageism in successful aging and the dualist thinking of successful aging theories. Drawing on critiques on successful aging theories and analysis of the chapter titled, Equalizing Assessments of Things from Zhuangzi’s Taoist philosophy, this study proposes a new paradigm called, two roads successful aging, juxtaposed against Eastern and Western theories of aging. The two roads successful aging model claims that everyone can age successfully when they employ the two roads approach. Three principles, with three related attributes, namely, equality, freedom, and being, govern the use of the two roads successful aging paradigm. The implications of the two roads successful aging paradigm can be synthesized as follows: it debunks the myth of the paradox of de-ageism in successful aging; serves as an inclusive East–West paradigm to address the dilemma of dualism in aging theories; and provides a new two roads approach for intergenerational interactions, a two roads successful aging welfare model, and a feasible two roads outlook for coping with aging and aging-related stressors.