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

Abstract

Background An essential element in the process of “aging well” is the concept of Active Aging (AA). To propose an operational definition of Active Aging, the present study seeks to develop a new measurement tool through an ecological approach. The aim is to recognize significant indicators that play a role in assessing AA in urban areas. Methods This study was conducted through a two-phase process of consensus-building: 1) identifying a set of indicators that were likely candidates for inclusion based on literature review, and 2) a two-round modified Delphi survey using an international panel of academic experts in environmental sciences and gerontology to achieve consensus on the importance of the extracted indicators and validate the items. The panelists were asked to complete a researcher-developed questionnaire with an 11-point Likert scale based on the indicators derived in phase 1. Finally, the Delphi survey’s valid indicators and criteria were utilized to develop the measurement tool. Results At the outset, a list of 111 indicators of AA was prepared through the desk study. A panel of 22 experts reviewed the extracted items and arrived at a consensus on 99 items in the first round and finalised in the second round. Thematic analysis of the panelists’ open-ended responses revealed new concepts that would be explicitly considered by the consensus group. This developed measurement scale consists of five domains, i.e., individual, spatial, socio-economic, governance, and health-related, which contain 15 criteria and 99 indicators. Conclusions The present researchers have developed the active aging measure for urban settlements (AAMU), which can be used both by policy-makers and as an informal self-reported statement among the elderly. AAM’s results in the elderly’s residential environmental communities can improve policy-making to address urban design to sustain an active, healthy life among older people in urban environments.

Development of a capacity-building program for older adults on health management and promotion for older adults in urban communities, Bangkok Metropolis

“…6 This evidence reflects that the direction of care for older adults in urban communities should be at an individual level, involving personal behaviors, attitudes, physical environments, and a policy-making environment. 21 However, the program in this study differentiates from others in the field because this program adds up more knowledge about palliative care for older adults, the use of digital technologies for health care, and the development of a project for getting funding in Bangkok. These topics are needed for older adults dwelling in urban communities with different cultures from rural areas.…”

An Inclusive Model for Assessing Age-Friendly Urban Environments in Vulnerable Areas

“…Certain conclusions can be drawn from the review of the studies in Table 1. Firstly, while some of the studies rely on some or all of the AFC domains [78,80,81,86] (6, 8, 2 and 2 domains, respectively), others propose a new domain structure containing different variables or indicators [79,82,83]. Some authors draw conclusions from a desk review on the topic, for example, in [77], 83 studies were examined, concluding that not only should environmental aspects be included when analyzing influences on older adult health, but also personal circumstances.…”

“…In some target villages or cities [78,79,81,86], others are applied at a suburban scale [83][84][85]. As for the implications of the studies, some could be implemented in local, national, and, sometimes, international policy making and planning [78][79][80][81][82][83], while others have a more regional or local focus [84][85][86].…”