Social and Economic Factors Related to the Health Dimension of Successful Aging among Urban Dwelling Elderly in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area

Abstract

Thailand faces aged society since 2005. Successful aging has long been a goal in the field of gerontology for the elderly maintaining autonomy and independence as one grows older. This cross-sectional survey aimed to study the factors affecting the health dimensions of successful aging(Health-SA) among an urban dwelling elderly population in Bangkok using the PRECEDE Model.335 elders aged 60 years and older were randomly selected using multi-stage sampling. A structured interview questionnaire was applied to gather information. Data was analyzed using logistic regression analysis. The results of the study revealed that the prevalence of Health-SA among elderly in Bangkok was 17.3%. The Health-SA of females exceeded that of males (19.1% and 13.1%, respectively). Factors that were associated with Health-SA included predisposing factors: education(OR = 3.45, 95% CI = 1.62-7.34), income (OR = 3.03, 95% CI = 1.53-5.97), self-esteem (OR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.16-3.94), perception of social environment (OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.25-0.79) and information technology skills (OR = 2.71, 95% CI = 1.45-5.09); enabling factors: empowering and vocational training/selling own product (OR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.19-5.11), General public infrastructure is sloped path and handrail for the elderly (OR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.13-4.41) and travel by private car(OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.05-3.40); and reinforcing factors: social support from social networks (OR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.10-4.90). Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis found 4 factors that could significantly predict predicting Health-SA (p-value < 0.05); which were information technology skills, sloped path and handrail for the elderly, self-esteem, and perception of social environment. Governmental agencies relatedto promoting health and well-being of the elderly should provide environmental management for the elderly and psychological promotion of self-esteem. Information technology skills are important since social media influences even the elderly these days.