Measuring active ageing among older adults in Singapore

Abstract

Active Ageing is conceptualised to measure the extent to which older people remain actively engaged with life. However, there is no evidence that the concept of Active Ageing is actually associated with the activity levels of older persons. Influences of age, ethnicity and spirituality on Active Ageing are also unexplored. Using the Active Ageing Index (AAI), this study examines whether the level of Active Ageing predicted the actual activity level of 120 Singaporeans of Chinese, Malay and Indians ethnicities, aged 55–64 years old or 65 years and above. Spirituality, measured by the Spirituality Index of Well-Being, was added to the AAI, to see if the predictive power of AAI improved. Hierarchical multiple regression showed that the AAI alone (controlling for age) did not significantly predict the activity level of older persons. The predictive power of the AAI improved significantly with spirituality included. Two-way between-groups Analysis of Variance revealed main effects of age and ethnicity, with higher AAI in those aged 55–64 and in Indian-Singaporeans. These findings suggest that the theoretical construct of Active Ageing needs further examination to identify the domains that distinguish it from chronological age, and support broadening the construct by including spirituality in Active Ageing.

Applicability of ‘Aging in Place’ in redeveloped public rental housing estates in Hong Kong

“…With the use of this sampling method, it was not only helped to minimize the potential bias in the sample but also ensured that the sample size in each group is well represented. The random sampling is ideal for this type of a study as it ensures that all elements of the population of interest are representatively sampled (Lim & Thompson, 2016), in this case, for example, proportionately including adults who are isolated.…”

Active Aging in Very Old Age and the Relevance of Psychological Aspects

“…Active aging discourses that pay a strong emphasis on health and independence, or understand the concept in terms of occupation and “youthful activities” should incorporate a more psychological rooted perspective. By acknowledging the important contributions of psychology in the conceptualization of Active Aging ( 30 ), the concept can be encapsulated as being “engaged in life” in more advanced ages and potentially incorporate spiritual and philosophical dimensions ( 31 , 32 ), which are acknowledged to be of particular relevance in very old ages.…”

An ecological approach to the development of an active aging measurement in urban areas (AAMU)

“…Active Aging (AA) can be defined as “the process of optimising opportunities for health, participation, and security to enhance the quality of life as people age” [ 3 ]. Central to this process is socially active engagement in different aspects of social, professional, and family life, including paid work, community activities, residential care, and leisure activities [ 4 , 5 ] so that a harmonious relationship between life and activities could improve the health and well-being in old age [ 5 , 6 ].…”

“…The idea of AA was initially proposed, emphasizing being active to maintain health and productivity [ 7 ]. Later on, it advocated for older adults’ right to make personal decisions, remain independent, and enhance their quality of life [ 3 , 5 ]. Thus, although the elderly are not counted among the active labour force, they are considered contributors in their entire lives and encouraged to participate in various social and individual activities [ 8 ].…”