Active aging model: Sample of Ankara

Abstract

ABSTRACT Demographic change in Turkey is quite rapid as in other developing countries. The elderly population, which has reached 9.7%, has brought along the problems that need to be solved for our country. It is important to investigate the concept of active aging which is included in the solution proposals. The aim of this research is to develop a Model of Some of the Personal and Social Factors Affecting Active Aging, by emphasizing the personal and social determinants that affect active aging. 280 older adults aged 65 and over, living in Ankara and from different socio-economic levels, participated in the research. Active aging scale, psychological resilience scale, social network scale, and loneliness scale were used as a measurement tool. When the results are examined, it is seen that the path model generally fits well. According to the Path model, we can say that as psychological resilience decreases, loneliness increases, loneliness also weakens the social network and the active aging level of the older adults decreases. On the contrary, we can say that the wide social network increases the active aging level of the older adults. Increasing and realizing social cohesion, social participation, and volunteering opportunities for healthy and active aging in Turkey will enable the expansion of the social networks of older adults and the prevention of loneliness in old age. The obtained implications were discussed within the framework of the studies in the literature, and suggestions were made to individuals, the related institutions, and organizations.