Perspectives on Health, Participation, and Security Related to Active Aging Among Older Adults in North-eastern Thailand – a qualitative study

Abstract

Background Health, participation, and security are basic pillars of Active Aging suggested by WHO is used by professionals but need to be explored from the perspectives of older people themselves. This study aims to explore how older adults experience and describe health, participation, and security. Methods A qualitative research approach based on open-ended interview questions with 20 older Thai adults, aged 60-92 years was used. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Findings The results showed perspectives related to experiences of daily life and local culture. Health was described as status of the body in the absence of barriers to a continued daily living, and a peaceful mind with an adaptive mind-set while aging. Participation was described as maintaining social networks and being a formal volunteer emphasizing the making of merits, on meaningful activities and being respected. Security was described as manageable living conditions and managing to finalize life well, balancing dependency and independency in relation to children to sustain the traditional value of gratitude between generations. Conclusions These understandings benefit the providing of resources and activities related to older adults’ perspectives to enhance their quality of life for both Thai and other cultural contexts.