This study was designed to construct and test a structural equation modeling on specific domain health status and the Selection · Optimization · Compensation (SOC) strategy affecting successful aging in elderly people.

The model construction was based on the SOC model by Baltes and Baltes. Interviews were done with 201 elderly people aged 65 or older. Interview contents included demographics, functional health status, emotional health status, social health status, SOC strategies, and successful aging. Data were analyzed using SPSS 15.0 and AMOS 7.0.

Model fit indices for the modified model were GFI=.93, CFI=.94, and RMSEA=.07. Three out of 7 paths were found to have a significant effect on successful aging in this final model. Functional health status had a direct and positive effect on successful aging. Emotional health status influenced successful aging through SOC strategies.

This study suggests that interventions for improving functional health status and for strengthening SOC strategies are critical for successful aging. Continuous development of a variety of successful aging programs using SOC strategy is suggested.