Healthy Aging in Older Adults from Predominantly Low Socioeconomic Backgrounds: A Qualitative Study of Motivators, Facilitators, and Barriers.

Abstract

Promoting healthy aging among older adults in a low socioeconomic position (LSP) is crucial for enhancing their quality of life and reducing the economic strain of global aging. Given their distinct challenges, such as financial constraints and limited health literacy, a multi-faceted approach is needed. This study explores motivators, facilitators, and barriers to healthy aging among LSP-older adults to better address their needs and inform intervention development. A qualitative study was conducted in five Dutch neighborhoods differing in socioeconomic position and urbanization levels. Semi-structured interviews were held with 37 community-dwelling older adults, and thematic analysis was applied. Key motivators included social connectedness, preserving health and mobility, and maintaining independence, which seemed to be interconnected and mutually reinforcing factors. Facilitators and barriers were categorized into individual, communal and institutional, and societal levels, encompassing health limitations, personality traits, neighborhood relationships and resources, and the impact of modern-day individualism and digitization. Differences between urban and rural participants underscored the need for localized approaches. To effectively promote healthy aging in this target group, interventions should adopt a holistic, systemic, and context-sensitive approach that fosters supportive environments and actively involves older adults in their design, ensuring alignment with their lived experiences and needs.