Introduction <p>Socioeconomic status (SES) indicates an individual’s relative position in a given society on the basis of social and economic factors. Successful aging is conceived as a dynamic, developmental process that changes over time. Understanding SES and successful aging is vital, especially in Iran where issues are unique to the region and greater demand for studies to help shape policy for older adults is on the rise. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and successful aging in older adults in Golestan Province, located in northeast of Iran.</p> Method <p>The cross-sectional study took a sample of 471 elderly people in 2023 from three main cities of Golestan Province—Gorgan (central), Gonbad (east), and Kurdkuy (west)—using stratified sampling. Socioeconomic status (SES) was assessed using household asset index, income, occupation, and education level. Collection of data was conducted using a demographic questionnaire and a Multidimensional Successful Aging Questionnaire. Inclusion conditions were willingness to participate, having a verbal communication capacity, residence in Golestan for one year or more, not having a diagnosed psychological disorder, and no more than severe hearing impairments. Participants with moderate-severe cognitive impairment (AMTS ≤ 7) or more than 10% incomplete answers were excluded from the study. Multiple regression analysis (SPSS v26) tested associations between SES indicators and successful aging.</p> Result <p>A total of 471 participants, 52% female, were analyzed. Mean age was 67.86 years (SD = 4.87). Men had a higher score in successful aging than women (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). Lower income per month in the household predicted lower successful aging scores (<i>p</i> = 0.001). University-educated individuals and individuals in the better household asset categories demonstrated better successful aging. In comparison to housewives, working older adults and retirees performed significantly higher on successful aging. Successful aging was negatively correlated with age (<i>r</i> = -0.125, <i>p</i> = 0.006). Additionally, living with spouse and children was associated with better successful aging outcomes. For women, monthly income and household asset status were predictors of successful aging, while for men, education level and occupation proved to be predictors.</p> Conclusion <p>The study results indicate that lower socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with lower average successful aging scores among elderly individuals. Men generally achieve higher successful aging scores than women do, with notable differences in functional health, social support, financial and environmental security, and spirituality. Additionally, age was identified as a significant inverse predictor of successful aging. The study advocates for an end to socioeconomic inequalities to enhance the quality of life and enhance successful aging among the elderly.</p>