Active ageing level and interest in activities among older people in community group membership, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Abstract
Background: An efficient strategy for an ageing population is to promote a healthy lifestyle that emphasizes improving and preserving functional capabilities to support the well-being of older people. From an occupational therapy perspective, one must consider the interests and needs of older people when analyzing their activities, as these factors influence improving their personal skills.
Objective: This study aimed to examine the levels of active ageing and the specific areas of interest among older people participating in community groups within Nongpakang Village, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Materials and methods: This research study involved thirty older people aged 60 years and above, all determined to have no cognitive mpairments based on assessments conducted using the Mental State Examination T10 (MSET10). The study employed a cross-sectional survey to examine participants’ levels of active ageing and their interest in various activities. Data was collected through structured interview-based questionnaires, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of these factors.
Results: The findings indicate a high level of active ageing among older people, as reflected in the Active Ageing Index (AAI) score of 0.94. Participants’ interest in activities was categorized into five domains: manual skills, physical sports, activities of daily living (ADLs), educational and cultural activities, and social recreation. Among these categories, most participants demonstrated a strong preference for ADL and social recreation. Conversely, engagement in handicraft-related activities and manual skills was relatively low, suggesting limited interest in these domains.
Conclusion: The study revealed that the mean score within this AAI group was notably high, indicating a strong level of active ageing among participants. Furthermore, the findings suggest that older people exhibit diverse interests in activities, which vary according to their backgrounds. A comprehensive understanding of these interests can enhance therapeutic interventions, fostering meaningful participation in everyday activities and promoting overall well-being.
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Personal views expressed by the contributors in their articles are not necessarily those of the Journal of Associated Medical Sciences, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University.
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