The WHO active ageing pillars and its association with survival: Findings from a population-based study in Spain

It is expected that, by 2050, people aged over 60 in 65 nations will constitute 30% of the total population. Healthy aging is at the top of the world political agenda as a possible means for hindering the collapse of care systems. How can ICT/sensing technology meet older people’s needs for active and healthy aging? This qualitative study carried out in Italy and Romania in 2020 involved 30 participants: older adults, caregivers, and stakeholders. Based on a user-centered design approach, this study aimed to understand which requirements of ICT/sensing technologies could match people’s needs of active and healthy aging. Findings highlighted that ICT/sensing technology needs to focus on six major themes: (1) learnability, (2) security, (3) independence, empowerment, and coaching values, (4) social isolation, (5) impact of habit, culture, and education variables, and (6) personalized solutions. These themes are consistent with the Active Aging framework and the factors that influence perceived usefulness and potential benefits among older adults. Consequently, this study shows how well-known, but still unresolved, issues affect the field of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to promote active and healthy aging. This suggests that the reinforcement of the public health system, especially considering the pandemic effect, requires a concrete and formidable effort from an interdisciplinary research network.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Qualitative Study toward Technologies for Active and Healthy Aging: A Thematic Analysis of Perspectives among Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary End Users

Rampioni

Moșoi

Rossi

et al. 2021

“…Although educational level may play an important role in active ageing (for instance, [ 36 ]), the variable regarded as a determinant factor in the WHO model (WHO, 2002) is not early education, but lifelong learning [ 37 ]. In this sense, education is mostly taken into account as a long-term determinant [ 38 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In this sense, education is mostly taken into account as a long-term determinant [ 38 ]. Hijas-Gómez et al [ 37 ] found that only the physical component was associated with survival and correlated with cognitive status, lifestyle and lifelong learning. For this reason, it is of great importance to ensure equal access opportunities for learning throughout the lifespan [ 39 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Regression-Based Normative Data for Independent and Cognitively Active Spanish Older Adults: Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test, Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test and Judgement of Line Orientation

Calderón-Rubio

Oltra-Cucarella

Bonete-López

et al. 2021

The aim of this work was to develop normative data for neuropsychological tests for the assessment of independent and cognitively active Spanish older adults over 55 years of age. Methods: regression-based normative data were calculated from a sample of 103 nondepressed independent community-dwelling adults aged 55 or older (66% women). The raw data for the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT), the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCF) and the Judgement of Line Orientation Test (JLO) were regressed on age, sex and education. The model predicting the FCSRT delayed-recall (FCSRT-Del) scores also included the FCSRT immediate-recall (FCSRT-Imm) scores. The model predicting the ROCF immediate-recall (ROCF-Imm) scores included the ROCF copy-trial (ROCF-C) scores, and the model predicting the ROCF delayed-recall (ROCF-Del) scores included both the ROCF-C and the ROCF-Imm scores. In order to identify low scores, z-scores were used to determine the discrepancy between the observed and the predicted scores. The base rates of the low scores for both the SABIEX normative data and the published normative data obtained from the general population were compared. Results: the effects of the different sociodemographic variables (age, sex and education) varied throughout the neuropsychological measures. Despite finding similar proportions of low scores between the normative data sets, the agreement was irrelevant or only fair-to-good. Conclusions: the normative data obtained from the general population might not be sensitive enough to identify low scores in cognitively active older adults, incorrectly classifying them as cognitively normal compared to the less active population.

“…The World Health Organization (WHO) also defined healthy ageing in 2015 as “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in old age” [ 2 ]. Both frameworks capture the comprehensive life-course approach of the ageing process within a multidimensional perspective that combines both personal and behavioral circumstances, as well as contextual and environmental aspects [ 3 ]. In both cases, the final goal is to promote the quality of life (QoL) of older people, defined as “the individuals’ perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns” [ 4 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influence of Active and Healthy Ageing on Quality of Life Changes: Insights from the Comparison of Three European Countries

Ayala

Rodríguez‐Blázquez

Calderón‐Larrañaga

et al. 2021

This study aimed to analyze the determinants of quality of life (QoL) in older people in three European countries (Portugal, Spain and Sweden). A sample of 7589 participants in waves 4 (2011) and 6 (2015) of the Survey on Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) project, aged 50 and over and living in Portugal, Spain and Sweden, was included. The CASP-12 scale was used to measure QoL. A principal component analysis was performed to group preselected variables related to active and healthy ageing into the dimensions of health, social participation, and lifelong learning. A linear regression model was built using the change in CASP-12 scores over the 4-year follow-up as the dependent variable, including the interactions between country and each independent variable in the model. After four years, the average QoL increased in Portugal (difference = 0.8, p < 0.001), decreased in Spain (−0.8, p < 0.001), and remained constant in Sweden (0.1, p = 0.408). A significant country-participation component interaction (p = 0.039) was found. In Spain, a higher participation (β = 0.031, p = 0.002) was related to a higher QoL improvement at 4 years, but not in Sweden or Portugal. Physical health and emotional components (β = 0.099, p < 0.001), functional ability (β = 0.044, p = 0.023), and cognitive and sensory ability (β = 0.021, p = 0.026) were associated with QoL changes over time in all countries. The country-specific associations between health, social participation and QoL should be taken into account when developing public health policies to promote QoL among European older people.