Resource Utilization for Healthy Aging in Kerala: A Mixed Methods Approach

Abstract

Abstract Background: An aging population is the most important medical as well as sociodemographic problem globally and countries have tried to address this problem by implementing various resources for healthy aging of society in general and an individual in particular in the form of various schemes and programs for the welfare of older persons. These resources are intended to provide a better quality of life for older persons. Objectives: The present study tried to comprehensively investigate the utilization of these resources by older people as well as the awareness about the availability of these resources and reasons toward poor utilization of such resources in Kerala. Materials and Methods: For this, a mixed method approach was employed involving a cross-sectional survey and qualitative inquiry, targeting 240 randomly selected participants across the state from randomly picked three different districts. Results: The key findings from the quantitative analysis were: Limited knowledge regarding the concept of Healthy Aging among respondents, moderate awareness of specific healthy aging resources, moderate utilization levels of resources, and a noteworthy 66.7% of participants expressing reluctance towards adopting suggested supportive resources for healthy aging. A significant association between socioeconomic status, residence, and awareness scores and a weak correlation between awareness and utilization scores were found out from the study. In the qualitative exploration, three principal themes emerged: Accessibility constraints, utilization patterns, and formulating an operational framework. Conclusion: This study underscores the need for tailored public awareness campaigns to foster resource utilization. The study challenges the practice of exclusively associating eligibility for resource access with socioeconomic class and disabilities. Ultimately, fostering healthy aging necessitates the active engagement and commitment of all stakeholders.