Social Determinants and Disparities in Active Aging Among Older Taiwanese

Abstract

This study assesses equity in active aging across social determinants among older Taiwanese. The data were collected from face-to-face interviews with adults aged 55 years or more in Taiwan in 2017 (n = 738). A total of 30 individual-level Taiwan active aging indicators were chosen, and the relationship between social determinants and active aging indicators were analyzed by logistic regression models. Women were more likely to participate in volunteering and other social groups and in lifelong learning activities, whereas men were more likely to be employed, to engage in physical activity, to feel safe from violence, and to use preventive care. Higher education was related to higher employment, social participation, independent living, lifelong learning, and a lower likelihood of poverty and severe cognitive impairment. Those living in rural areas were more likely to be employed, perform physical activity, feel physically safe, have better mental well-being, and have higher social respect and social integration ratings, whereas living in urban areas was related to greater access to medical care, owning assets, less severe cognitive impairment, greater likelihood of using information and communications technology, higher level of education, and higher access to convenient transportation. The significant disparities that exist in active aging may suggest inequality.

Associations of City-Level Active Aging and Age Friendliness with Well-Being among Older Adults Aged 55 and Over in Taiwan

“…Taiwan's AAI (TAAI) is based on the EU's AAI [6], and a Taiwanese age-friendly city index has been suggested [49]. Based on 2017 data, differences in the Taiwanese sample across rural and urban areas have been identified [50]: Active aging indicators related to infrastructure and economic status are better in urban areas, whereas indicators related to physical activity, mental well-being, and social inclusion are better in rural areas. Unfortunately, the sample is not representative of the nation in terms of covering all cities in Taiwan.…”

Fatores de risco dos beneficiários do gerenciamento clínico por telemonitoramento da saúde suplementar: estudo transversal

“…Gender must be considered as a behavioral determinant of health, as it interferes with morbidity and mortality, use, access and response of the health services, as well as with resilience and vulnerability of individuals, groups and communities worldwide. (13)(14)(15) .…”

“…In studies carried out with chronically-ill patients in a developing Asian country, where the digital health care system has been intensified to promote universal access to health, aged women with AH, DM and cataract prevailed, who remained physically active and participated intensely of preventive care, volunteering and politics (13) . These characteristics are similar to the results of this study, suggesting that clinical management through telemonitoring can expand and qualify health care.…”

“…Therefore, the actions of clinical management through telemonitoring must enhance the maintenance of healthy habits and the functional capacity of aged women, as well as offer additional care to reproductive health (13)(14)(15)(16) .…”

A scoping review of the daily mobilities of older adults in the Global South

“…In the context of the Global South, several studies address active ageing in relation to elderly mobility challenges. Hsu et al (2019) assessed equity and active ageing determinants among older Taiwanese and found significant active ageing disparities in gender, education, and living areas. The authors suggest that ageing policies should be more gender-focused to eliminate gender disparities; that socio-economic inequalities should be addressed by social policies; and that geographic disparities should be reduced by investing in rural areas and increasing community involvement in urban areas.…”