Thriving in golden years: Promoting psychological well-being for healthy ageing in India

Abstract

Background

In order to address the issues associated with an ageing and implement effective policies, countries must have a thorough understanding of health issues and emerging trends among the geriatric population. Healthy ageing is an essential strategy to address the issue among the elderly. Psychological well-being is a critical factor that contributes to healthy ageing, yet it is often overlooked. Therefore, present study examines the relationship between psychological well-being and healthy ageing among the elderly in India aged 60 years and above.

Methods

We created composite score of healthy ageing using Principal Component Analysis based on LASI (wave-1) data 2017–18 in accordance with the WHO framework of healthy ageing based on the functional ability of an individual. We then used multiple linear regression to demonstrate the association between psychological well-being and healthy ageing among the elderly in India aged 60 years and above.

Results

The mean Healthy Ageing Index of our study population was 82.8 %, representing the study population is healthier. Psychological well-being is significantly associated with healthy ageing among older adults in India (β=1.56; 95 % CI: 1.35–1.76). In addition, healthy ageing is also associated with the lifestyle behaviours like physical activity, smoking and drinking history.

Conclusion

The present study highlights the importance of promoting psychological wellbeing and healthier lifestyle for better health outcome among the older population in India. Because, with increasing age, as the health status among individual's decline, promoting a positive self-perception of ageing is equally important in facilitating healthy ageing as that of promoting healthier lifestyle.