Constructing Taiwan’s Active Aging Index and Applications for International Comparison

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to construct Taiwan’s Active Aging Index (TAAI) based on the Active Aging Index (AAI) of the European Union (EU) and with consideration of the cultural and specific characteristics in Taiwan and to compare the result with the AAI status in the EU-28 countries. The first draft of TAAI was developed; 25 experts from the aging industry, government representatives, and academics were invited to participate in the modified Delphi method or an expert group meeting. Older adults were invited to collect opinions from the perspective of older people. The weights of the TAAI indicators were assessed by an analytical hierarchical method based on the Delphi method questionnaire. The indicators collected by a survey questionnaire were designed, pretested and modified, and then, the data were collected from a sample across four regions of Taiwan (n = 738). The TAAI indicator scores were calculated accordingly. The AAI performance of Taiwan was also compared with the performance of the EU-28 countries. The original 4 AAI domains were maintained in the framework. In TAAI, 11 indicators were added to the existing four domains and, in total, 33 indicators were suggested. The TAAI indicators showed acceptable reliability and predictive validity in self-rated health. The indicators regarding health and capacity for active aging in Taiwan were good, and social participation and economic security could be improved. The TAAI framework and indicators are suggested to be applied in the monitoring and policy making of active aging and in future research.