Background and Objectives: To date, there is no consensus definition of successful ageing (SA). In the literature, conceptualisations of SA are generally re- searcher-driven operational definitions or layperson perspectives. The current study aims to systematically review and compare quantitative operational definitions of SA with qual- itative, layperson perspectives of SA. Methods: PubMed, PsycInfo, ISI Web of Knowledge, EmBase and CINAHL databases were searched using the words �successful ageing� and related terms. Peer-reviewed stud- ies positing quantifiable operational definitions of SA were included, as were studies that conducted exploratory qualitative study of layperson perspectives of SA. Results : Marked differences in the focus of SA conceptualizations between researchers and laypersons were revealed. Qualitative studies demonstrated a greater emphasis on psychosocial aspects of SA, such as attitude whilst quantitative studies were generally bio- medically focused, e.g. physical functioning/disability. Conclusions: Little concordance in classification of SA is found across the two per- spectives such that an individual may be simultaneously classified as unsuccessfully age- ing from a biomedical approach and successfully ageing from a layperson perspective. Most studies have been conducted in North America and the UK using non-clinical popu- lations, resulting in limitations on generalizability. Alternative perspectives of SA must be taken into consideration in the practical application of SA.