Readiness for Active Aging among Older Adults in Local Isan Communities:

A Mixed Methods Research

Abstract

This mixed-methods research aimed to examine the readiness for active aging and to explain the meaning of active aging from the perspectives of older adults in the local Isan communities. The quantitative sample consisted of 78 older adults residing in Isan local communities. For the qualitative part, the key informants were 30 older adults who played cultural roles within their communities. Participants were purposively selected based on specific criteria and the snowball technique. The instrument for quantitative data collection was the Active Aging Readiness Assessment for Older Adults, which had been validated for content validity (CVI = 1) and demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.91). For qualitative data, focus group discussions were conducted using semi-structured questions and field notes, with a content validity index of 0.89. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative analysis, and qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.

The results revealed that 42.31% of older adults demonstrated readiness in all three dimensions of active aging. Another 39.74% showed high readiness in two dimensions, 15.38% in one dimension, and 2.57% of participants did not show high readiness in any of the three dimensions. The perception of active aging among older adults encompassed four components: adaptation to health conditions, self-reliance, participation in regular activities, and preservation of cultural traditions. The study suggests that preparing for active aging should be based on sociocultural community context, utilizing community participation and the cultural roles of elderly people as key mechanisms to enhance the security and quality of life of the older.