Visual impairment takes on a setback to successful aging: evidence from six international longitudinal studies.

Visual impairment was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of successful aging across six international longitudinal cohorts.

• The primary analysis included 121,282 participants contributing 277,129 observations across 25 countries/regions.
• Data were drawn from SHARE, MHAS, KLOSA, HRS, ELSA, and CHARLS.
• The pooled odds ratio was 0.56 (95% CI: 0.49–0.63) after generalized estimating equations (GEE) and random-effects meta-analysis.
• Vision impairment was assessed via self-report, and successful aging was operationalized as a composite score using harmonized measures across cohorts.

The study employed multiple analytical approaches to examine the association between visual impairment and successful aging.

• Analyses included generalized estimating equations (GEE), random-effects meta-analysis, and Cox regression.
• Measures for both visual impairment and successful aging were harmonized across all six cohorts to allow cross-study comparability.
• The longitudinal design allowed temporal assessment of the relationship between vision impairment and aging outcomes.

Large-scale longitudinal evidence examining the association between visual impairment and successful aging across diverse populations was previously limited.

• The study addresses a gap in the literature by pooling data from six international longitudinal cohorts spanning 25 countries/regions.
• The global population is described as undergoing rapid aging, making promotion of successful aging a pressing public health priority.
• Prior to this study, cross-population consistency of the visual impairment–successful aging association had not been well established at this scale.

Sustaining vision fitness was suggested to benefit aging promotion for middle-aged individuals and seniors.

• The findings highlight the negative impact of vision impairment on successful aging.
• The authors suggest that maintaining visual function may be an important modifiable factor in promoting successful aging.
• The study population included both middle-aged and older adults across diverse international settings.