Sociodemographic, lifestyle and psychological factors associated with healthy ageing in a national longitudinal study of middle-aged and older adults in Thailand

Abstract

The aim of this study was to estimate the longitudinal associations with healthy ageing as well as its association with mortality in a national sample in Thailand. The analytic sample consisted of 2585 participants (≥45 years) in four study assessments in 2015, 2017, 2020, and 2022. The distribution of the healthy ageing components at baseline was 93.7% no major disease, 97.2% no activities of daily living (ADL) disability, 86.3% no depression, 91.8% social engagement and 88.1% high quality of life (QoL); healthy ageing increased from 64.7% in 2015 to 67.1% in 2022. Standardised self-reported measures were used to assess healthy ageing components and covariates. In the adjusted GEE logistic regression analysis, working, high subjective economic status, high physical activity or exercise, and high subjective life expectancy were positively associated, and aged 70 years and older, widowed, past smoking, having underweight, obesity, and low self-rated physical health were negatively associated with healthy ageing. In addition, in adjusted Cox regression, healthy ageing was negatively associated with mortality. Sociodemographic factors, lifestyle indicators, self-rated physical health and subjective life expectancy were associated with healthy ageing. Addressing modifiable factors (e.g. lifestyle factors such as physical activity, smoking or underweight and/or obesity) may contribute to healthy ageing.