Active ageing profiles among older adults in Spain: A Multivariate analysis based on SHARE study

Abstract

Background Following the active ageing model based on the Health, Lifelong Learning, Participation and Security pillars, this research has a twofold objective: i) to classify older adults according to active ageing profiles, taking into account the four pillars, and ii) to ascertain the relationship between the profiles and personal and contextual factors, as well as well-being and quality of life in old age. Methods A study sample of 5,566 Spanish older adults who participated in wave 6 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) was included. Data were analysed in different steps applying several statistical analyses (Principal Component, Cluster, Discriminant, Multiple Correspondence and bivariate analysis with Pearson chi-square and ANOVA). Results Five older adult profiles were obtained (I: with moderate activity; II: quasi-dependents; III: with active ageing-limiting conditions; IV: with diverse and balanced activity; V: with excellent active ageing conditions). The first three profiles were characterised by subjects with a high average age, low educational level, who were retired or housewives, and who perceived a moderate level of loneliness, satisfaction with the social network and quality of life, as well as having a larger family network, but living in small households or alone. In contrast, the latter two profiles showed better personal and contextual conditions, well-being and quality of life. Discussion and conclusions The multidimensional approach to active ageing followed in this article has revealed the presence of several older adult profiles, which are confined to groups with better or worse active ageing conditions. In this context, if ageing is a process that reflects the previous way of life, intervention priorities will have to consider actions that promote better conditions during the life cycle.

Being actively engaged in life in old age: determinants, temporal trends, and prognostic value

“…As in previous studies [ 21 – 24 ], male sex, younger age, being married, and having a higher level of education were associated with higher odds for active ageing; in our study, these factors characterised those with higher BAEL scores. Compared with women, older men tend to be more engaged in socially oriented activities outside the home [ 25 ], which has been suggested to be one factor underlying better subjective well-being [ 26 ].…”

“…Furthermore, when older people’s personal views on how to age successfully were queried, the majority valued engagement in activities and satisfying relationships over health issues [ 28 ]. It is obvious that ageing is not a static state, but instead a dynamic process reflecting an individual’s previous way of life and socioeconomic circumstances in earlier life-course [ 24 ].…”

Construction of healthy aging index from two different datasets

“…From all existing attempts to measure the aging process, three of them used the SHARE survey ( 10 , 19 , 20 ). We have utilized similar approach as in a study by Sanchez-Niubo et al ( 10 ), where they also based their theoretical framework on the WHO concept of healthy aging.…”

Empowering Active and Healthy Ageing: Integrating IoT and Wearable Technologies for Personalised Interventions

“…Rojo-Perez et al [37] identified five distinct profiles of active ageing in older adults in Spain. These profiles range from moderate activity with low physical but moderate social and political engagement to profiles characterized by high participation in cognitive and educational activities.…”