The main focus of the health psychology of ageing is on optimal ageing, and objectives are the application of psychological knowledge in disease prevention and improvement in the quality of life for healthy and ill older persons. Psychologists recommend the study of optimal ageing with regard to individual differences and plasticity because the manner and rate of aging are strongly affected by health, health behaviors and some psychosocial factors. This article is a short review of research on the factors of aging process in Croatia, from 1979 until today, in parallel with research trends in other countries. The main aim was to define the role of psychological factors and their interaction with others in determining aging and quality of life in old age. The reviewed research was on the basic role of psychological factors in the aging process, the role of psychological factors in the quality of life in old age, and the role of cognitive functions in the aging process. The ultimate aim is to apply the acquired knowledge in health and social practices.

health psychology, aging, quality of life, research