A Comprehensive Investigation of the Key Elements that Foster and Hinder Active Aging Level in Community Dwelling Older Adults of Pakistan: An Analytical Study

Abstract

Study Aim: This study aimed to investigate active aging status, and key elements that foster or hinderence of active aging among older adults in Pakistan.
Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2022 to November 2022 in the six districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The sample size was 230 older adults, aged 60 and above, calculated using Ravesoft software. Residents who could understand the local language (Urdu) and were independent in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) were included.
Results: Participants' ages ranged from 66 to 70 years. A significant number (79.6%) lived in a joint family system. Participants reported a medium level of active aging at 79% and a moderate level of well-being at 64%. Additionally, 32% rated their current health status poor, while 43% experienced mild to moderate levels of depression. A significant negative association was found between non-communicable diseases, ethnicity, gender, age, marital status, education, source of income, and active aging level (P < 0.005). The regression analysis explains the fostering association between demographic variables such as economic status, education level, male gender, and subjective well-being with self-reliance (R2 = 0.05), learning and integration into society (R2 = 0.72), healthy lifestyle (R2 = 0.77), spiritual wisdom (R2 = 0.81), social contribution (R2 = 0.82), economic security (R2 = 0.88), and strengthening family ties (R2 = 0.87).
Conclusion: Pakistani older adults have a moderate level of active aging. access to healthcare, social, and financial support can contribute to enhancing the active aging status.