Adult perceptions and awareness of longevity in the elderly: Healthy aging from a public health perspective in Ajman, UAE.

Abstract

Objective: Aim: This study aimed to assess adult perceptions and awareness of factors influencing longevity and healthy ageing in the UAE.

Patients and methods: Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 446 adults in the UAE using a self-administered, structured online questionnaire comprised of different domains. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 29. Descriptive statistics summarized perception levels, and Chi-square tests assessed associations between sociodemographic, cultural, lifestyle, and healthcare-related factors and perceptions of longevity. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Results: Most participants demonstrated good overall longevity perception (87.9%). Lifestyle-related factors, including healthy diet (84.5%), regular physical activity (83.6%), stress management (84.8%), non-smoking (79.8%), and limited alcohol consumption (82.7%), were widely recognized as important contributors to longevity. Access to quality healthcare (83.6%) and financial security (79.4%) were also strongly endorsed. Significant associations were observed between longevity perception and nationality (p=0.011), education level (p=0.007), occupation (p=0.002), marital status (p=0.025), and age group (p<0.001). Preventive health beliefs, particularly stress management, healthy diet, and regular medical check-ups (p<0.001), showed strong associations with positive longevity perception.

Conclusion: Conclusions: Adults exhibit high awareness of modifiable lifestyle and healthcare determinants of longevity. Perceptions are shaped primarily by preventive health beliefs rather than cultural or caregiving exposure alone. Strengthening public health education and preventive healthcare initiatives is essential to support national healthy-ageing strategies.