University students' perceptions for healthy ageing in the Asia-Pacific: A content analysis

Abstract

Background

Population ageing is a global phenomenon. The World Health Organization's Decade of Healthy Ageing, known as the Decade, underscores the value of building age-friendly environments, combating ageism and improving care for older adults.

Methods

Twenty-eight teams of students from 10 Asia-Pacific economies participated in a competition on improving older adult care. We performed a content analysis of video proposals, applying the Decade's four key action areas as a novel way to examine student perceptions of healthy ageing.

Results

Regarding the Decade, most proposals addressed integrated health care and age-friendly environments, but few addressed long-term care and/or ageism. Social isolation was a priority, with proposals commonly featuring technological tools and socially supportive spaces for older adults and carers as solutions.

Conclusions

Students valued technology-based strategies and socially connected environments to promote mental health and active ageing as critical components of healthy ageing. The results demonstrated the need for programs that counter ageism.