Health Status and Lifestyle of Long-Lived Older Adults in Mueang Surin District

Abstract

This mixed-methods study aimed to examine the health status and lifestyle of long-lived older adults aged 95 years and older residing in Mueang Surin District, Surin Province, Thailand. This population requires comprehensive healthcare and medical services across four dimensions: health promotion, disease prevention and control, primary healthcare, and health rehabilitation. The participants consisted of 13 older adults selected through purposive sampling. Research instruments included questionnaires and interview guides focusing on general characteristics, health status, and lifestyle behaviors of the participants.

The findings revealed that the majority of participants were female (61.5%), aged between 95 and 104 years, with a mean age of 97 years. Most participants had no underlying diseases and were able to eat and walk independently. Regarding dietary behaviors, 92.3% regularly consumed vegetables and traditional chili paste, while 53.8% reported habitual betel nut chewing. In addition, 69.2% did not smoke, and 76.9% did not consume alcoholic beverages. All participants showed no signs of depression. However, most participants exhibited impairments in cognitive function and urinary continence, whereas memory, vision, and hearing were within normal ranges. Overall, participants demonstrated good access to public health services.

The findings indicate that although long-lived older adults aged 95 years and older have diverse lifestyles, they share several common health-related behaviors, including frequent consumption of vegetables and traditional foods, positive emotional well-being, and absence of depressive symptoms. A notable finding was the high prevalence of habitual betel nut chewing among the participants. Further studies are recommended to explore behavioral patterns and contributing factors associated with longevity among this population.