Abstract
ObjectivesHealthy ageing (HA) is a key concept and highly desirable phenomenon in every ageing and already old societies. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of socio-economic conditions as well as life-style and other health-related factors on the WHO definition of HA.Design, Setting, ParticipantsThe study used cross-sectional data of the PolSenior Project — nationwide research evaluating different aspects of ageing in Poland — which included 4’653 respondents aged 65 years and over.MeasurementsData were collected by trained interviewers in respondents’ homes. Three definitions of HA including or not the participants’ chronic conditions were analyzed.ResultsThe prevalence of HA appeared as high as 17.6% if none or 1 chronic disease was present and 42.8% if no information about chronic diseases was taken into account. The association between known health predictors (age, marital status, education, income) and HA was observed. Moreover, HA appeared in relation with indicators of physical functioning and lifestyle. There was a strong concordance between HA and the fair self-rated health (OR = 1.87; 1.99, and 2.74 for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd definitions, respectively) and opposite relation with self-reported need for help (OR = 0.15; 0.15; and 0.13, respectively).ConclusionsThe HA definition based on no functional activity limitations, no cognitive impairment, no depressive symptoms, no more than one disease and being socially active seems to be a useful approach of HA..
Highlights
Increasing life expectancy in the most developed societies and growing number of older people significantly influence questions concerning the healthy or successful ageing
We excluded from the analysis respondents for whom we have had no data for variables used in definition of healthy ageing
We examined three definitions of healthy ageing – based on Rowe and Kahn concept of successful ageing (5) - with its physical component – disease and disability, good physical and cognitive functioning as well as social and productivity engagement
Summary
Increasing life expectancy in the most developed societies and growing number of older people significantly influence questions concerning the healthy or successful ageing. The last decades have brought several concepts of healthy or successful or active ageing but still no consensual definition has not been developed (1–3). All those concepts are understood as ageing well or having a “good” or independent old age and are highly desirable phenomenon both individually and socially (4). Most of existing definitions are based or extend classical definition developed by Rowe and Kahn (5) which stated the successful ageing as a balance of three components: absence of disease and disease-related disability, high functional capacity, and active engagement with life (5, 6). Most of current perspectives have defined the healthy ageing from the viewpoint of multidimensional approach connecting biomedical aspects with psychosocial dimensions of ageing (3, 7)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
