RISK FACTORS AND CHANGES IN SUCCESSFUL AGING AMONG OLDER INDIVIDUALS IN INDONESIA

Abstract

Successful aging is a universal goal, but it is a challenge owing to declining physical, psychological, and social conditions that occur with increasing age. The aim of this study was to analyze risk factors and changes in successful aging among older individuals (≥ 60) in Indonesia. This longitudinal study (2000 to 2014) used data from the Indonesia Life Survey (IFLS). Successful aging was defined with physical, mental and social health based on the available questionnaire. The univariate analysis and chi-square- test was used in this study. Of the 801 individuals followed up, 588 (93.2%) were found to have unsuccessful aging and 43 (6.8%) older person showed a change from unsuccessful to successful aging. The proportion of older persons mental and social unhealthy were higher than physical. Factors significantly relating to unsuccessful aging included female sex (p < 0.001), living in rural areas (p < 0.05) or movement from rural to urban areas (p < 0.05), unemployed (p < 0.001), movement from employed to unemployed (p < 0.001), unmarried (p < 0.001) and underweight (p < 0.05). Older individuals who are not categorized as successful aging at the age of ≥ 60 years can still change for better success in aging at ≥ 74 years of age. Maintaining mental and social health of older individuals can be achieved through their empowerment by providing opportunities for social activity and work productivity in the community.