Measuring active aging: Development of a active aging measurement tool

Sara Marsillas Rascado; Antonio Rial; Jesús Varela

doi:10.36922/ijps.428

Sara Marsillas Rascado Researcher in Matia Institute of Gerontology
Antonio Rial Prof. Dr. in University of Santiago de Compostela
Jesús Varela

Keywords: Active aging, Model, Index, Measurement, Individual level

Abstract

In recent years, various debates have emerged in the literature regarding the conceptualization of active aging. However, there is a lack of tools to assess active aging at the individual level. The aim of this paper is to develop a measurement tool and procedure for assessing active aging focused on an individual level, encompassing different elements of people’s lives, and providing an individual quantitative result for each person. To achieve this aim, a representative sample of 404 community-dwelling older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) from Galicia, Spain, was interviewed using a structured survey guided by a questionnaire. The tool is based on an empirically validated model of active aging, which comprises two broad categories (health and participation) as well as a measurement tool. The results presented demonstrate how a region in Spain is actively aging. The discussion highlights the potential of this tool, which integrates different approximations of the concept and underscores its importance in people’s lives.

References

Avramov, D., & Maskova, M. (2003). Active aging in Europe-volume 1. Population Studies, 41(41):1-152.

Bélanger, E., Ahmed, T., Filiatrault, J., Yu, H.T., & Zunzunegui, M.V. (2017). An empirical comparison of different models of active aging in Canada: The international mobility in aging study. The Gerontologist, 57(2):197-205. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnv126

Bellón, J.A., Delgado, S.A., Luna, J.D., & Lardelli, P. (1996a). Validez y fiabilidad del cuestionario de apoyo social funcional Duke-UNC-11. [Validity and reliability of the Duke-UNC-11 questionnaire of functional social support]. Atención Primaria, 18(4):153-163, 158-163.

Bellón, J.A., Delgado, S.A., Luna, J.D., & Lardelli, P. (1996b). Validez y fiabilidad del cuestionario de función familiar Apgar-familiar. [Validity and reliability of the Apgar-familial family function questionnaire]. Atención Primaria, 18(6):289-295.

Berg, A.I. (2008). Life Satisfaction in Late Life: Markers and Predictors of Level and Change Among 80+ Year Olds. [PhD Thesis]. Sweden: University of Gothenburg.

Biggs, S. (2001). Toward critical narrativity: Stories of aging in contemporary social policy. Journal of Aging Studies, 15(4):303-316. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0890-4065(01)00025-1

Boudiny, K. (2013). “Active aging”: From empty rhetoric to effective policy tool. Aging and Society, 33(6):1077-1098. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X1200030X

Boudiny, K., & Mortelmans, D. (2011). A critical perspective: Towards a broader understanding of “active aging”. Electronic Journal of Applied Psychology, 7(1):8-14. https://doi.org/10.7790/ejap.v7i1.232

Bowling, A. (2008). Enhancing later life: How older people perceive active ageing? Aging and Mental Health, 12(3):293-301. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607860802120979

Bowling, A. (2009). Perceptions of active ageing in Britain: Divergences between minority ethnic and whole population samples. Age and Aging, 38(6):703-710. https://doi.org/10.1093/aging/afp175

Bowling, A., & Iliffe, S. (2006). Which model of successful ageing should be used? Baseline findings from a British longitudinal survey of ageing. Age and Aging, 35(6):607-614. https://doi.org/10.1093/aging/afl100

Caprara, M., Molina, M.Á., Schettini, R., Santacreu, M., Orosa, T., Mendoza-Núñez, V.M., et al. (2013). Active aging promotion: Results from the vital aging program. Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research, 2013:817813. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/817813

Clarke, A., & Warren, L. (2007). Hopes, fears and expectations about the future: What do older people’s stories tell us about active aging? Aging and Society, 27(4):465-488. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X06005824

Dury, S., DeDonder, L.D., DeWitte, N.D., Brosens, D., Smetcoren, A.S., Van Regenmortel, S., et al. (2016). Is volunteering in later life impeded or stimulated by other activities? Research on Aging, 38(1):1-25. https://doi.org/10.1177/0164027515574777

Fernández-Ballesteros, R., Caprara, M.G., & García, L.F. (2004). Vivir con vitalidad-M®: Un programa europeo multimedia. Intervención Psicosocial, 13: 63-85.

Fernández-Ballesteros, R. (2005). Evaluation of “Vital Aging-M”: A psychosocial program for promoting optimal aging. European Psychologists, 10(2):146-156. https://doi.org/10.1027/1016-9040.10.2.146

Fernández-Ballesteros, R., Kruse, A., Zamarrón, M.D., & Caprara, M.G. (2007). Quality of life, life satisfaction, and positive ageing. In: R. Fernández-Ballesteros (Ed.), Geropsychology. An European Perspective for an Ageing World. Gottingën, Germany: Hogrefe and Huber, p.196-223.

Fernández-Ballesteros, R. (2009). Envejecimiento Activo: Contribuciones de la Psicología. [Active Aging: Contributions of Psychology]. Madrid, España: Pirámide.

Foster, L., & Walker, A. (2013). Gender and active ageing in Europe. European Journal of Aging, 10(1):3-10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10433-013-0261-0

Foster, L., & Walker, A. (2015). Active and successful aging: A European policy perspective. The Gerontologist, 55(1):83-90. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnu028

Foster, L., & Walker, A. (2021). Active ageing across the life course: Towards a comprehensive approach to prevention. BioMed Research International, 2021:6650414. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6650414

Gauthier, A.H., & Smeeding, T.M. (2003). Time use at older ages: Cross-national differences. Research on Aging, 25(3):247-274. https://doi.org/10.1177/016402750302500300

Godoy-Izquierdo, D., Martínez, A., & Godoy, J.F. (2008). La escala de balance afectivo: Propiedades psicométricas de un instrumento para la medida del afecto positivo y negativo en población española. [The affective balance scale: Its Psychometric properties as a tool for measuring positive and negative affect in the Spanish population]. Clínica y Salud, 19(2):157-189.

Hasmanová, J. (2011). Leisure in old age: Disciplinary practices surrounding the discourse of active aging. International Journal of Aging and Later Life, 6(1):5-32. https://doi.org/10.3384/ijal.1652-8670.11615

Havighurst, R. (1953). The leisure activities of the middle-aged. American Journal of Sociology, 63(2):152-162.

Havighurst, R. (1963). Successful aging. In: Williams, R., Tibbitts, C., & Donahue, W. (eds.). Process of Aging. Vol. 1. New York, USA: Atherton, p.299-320.

Holstein, M.B., & Minkler, M. (2007). Critical gerontology: Reflections for the 21st century. In: Bernard, M., & Scharf, T. (eds.). Critical Perspectives on Aging Societies. Cambridge, UK: Polity Press, p.13-26.

International Longevity Centre Brazil (ILC-Brazil). (2015). Envejecimiento Activo: Un Marco Político Ante la Revolución de la Longevidad. Brazil: ILC-Brazil.

Kalache, A. (1999). Active ageing makes the difference. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 77:299. https://doi.org/10.1097/00001504-199907000-00012

Kalache, A., & Kickbusch, I. (1997). A global strategy for healthy ageing. World Health, 4:4-5.

Katz, S. (2000). Busy bodies: Activity, aging, and the management of everyday life. Journal of Aging Studies, 14(2):135-152. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0890-4065(00)80008-0

Lassen, A.J., & Moreira, T. (2014). Unmaking old age: Political and cognitive formats of active ageing. Journal of Aging Studies, 30:33-46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaging.2014.03.004

Lawton, M.P., & Brody, E.M. (1969). Assessment of older people: Self-maintaining and instrumental activities of daily living. The Gerontologist, 9(3):179-186. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/9.3_Part_1.179

Lobo, A., Saz, P., Marcos, G., Día, J.L., De la Cámara, C., Ventura, T., et al. (1999). Revalidación y normalización del mini-examen cognoscitivo (primera versión en castellano del Mini-Mental status examination) en la población general geriátrica. [Revalidation and standardization of the cognition mini-exam (first Spanish version of the Mini-Mental Status Examination) in the general geriatric population]. Medicina Clínica (Barc), 112(20):767-774. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13398-014-0173-7.2

Lucena, O.G., Carneiro, S., Oliveira, A., Silva, W., & Silva, M.A. (2010). Active aging from the perspective of aged individuals who are functionally independent. Revista Da Escola de Enfermagem Da USP, 44(4):1065-1069. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0080- 62342010000400030

Mahoney, F.I., & Barthel, D.W. (1965). Functional evaluation: The barthel index. Maryland Medicine Journal, 14:61-65.

Marsillas, S. (2016). Desarrollo y Validación de un Índice Personal de Envejecimiento Activo Adaptado al Contexto Gallego. [Development and Validation of a Personal Active Ageing Index Adapted to the Galician Context]. [PhD Thesis]. Spain: University of Santiago de Compostela.

Marsillas, S., De Donder, L., Kardol, T., Van Regenmortel, S., Dury, S., Brosens, D., et al. (2017). Does active ageing contribute to life satisfaction for older people? Testing a new model of active ageing. European Journal of Ageing, 14(3):295-310. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10433-017-0413-8

Mendes, F.R. (2013). Active ageing: A right or a duty? Health Sociology Review, 22(2):174-185. https://doi.org/10.5172/hesr.2013.22.2.174

Monreal, P. (2008). Identificación de Diferentes Patrones de Envejecimiento Activo en Personas Mayores en Contextos Rurales y Urbanos: Propuestas de Mejora Para la Promoción de la Autonomía y la Prevención de la Dependencia. Madrid: IMSERSO Convocatoria I+D+I 2007. Available from: https://www.imserso.es/interpresent3/groups/imserso/ documents/binario/idi50_07envejeactivo.pdf [Last accessed on 2023 Sep 19].

Montero, P., Fernández-Ballesteros, R., Zamarrón, M., & Rodríguez, S. (2011). Anthropometric, body composition and health determinants of active ageing: A gender approach. Journal of Biosocial Science, 43(5):597-610. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0021932011000228

Moulaert, T., & Paris, M. (2013). Social policy on ageing: The case of “Active Aging” as a theatrical metaphor. International Journal of Social Science Studies, 1(2):113-123. http://doi.org/10.11114/ijsss.v1i2.141

OECD. (2008). Handbook on Constructing Composite Indicators: Methodology and User Guide. Methodology. Available from: https://www.oecd.org/std/42495745.pdf [Last accessed on 2023 Sep 19].

Paúl, C., Ribeiro, O., & Teixeira, L. (2012). Active aging: An empirical approach to the WHO model. Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research, 2012:382972. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/382972

Pavlova, M.K., & Silbereisen, R.K. (2012). Perceived level and appraisal of the growing expectations for active ageing among the young-old in Germany. Research on Aging, 34(1):80-99. https://doi.org/10.1177/0164027511416371

Perales, J., Martin, S., Ayuso-Mateos, J.L., Chatterji, S., Garin, N., Koskinen, S., et al. (2014). Factors associated with active aging in Finland, Poland, and Spain. International Psychogeriatrics, 26(8):1363-1375. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610214000520

Pettigrew, S., & Roberts, M. (2008). Addressing loneliness in later life. Aging and Mental Health, 12(3):302-309. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607860802121084

Pruchno, R.A., Wilson-Genderson, M., Rose, M., & Cartwright, F. (2010b). Successful aging: Early influences and contemporary characteristics. The Gerontologist, 50(6):821-833. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnq041

Rantanen, T., Portegijs, E., Kokko, K., Rantakokko, M., Törmäkangas, T., & Saajanaho, M. (2019). Developing an assessment method of active aging: University of Jyvaskyla active aging scale. Journal of Aging and Health, 31(6):1002-1024. https://doi.org/10.1177/0898264317750449

Ranzijn, R. (2010). Active aging--another way to oppress marginalized and disadvantaged elders?: Aboriginal Elders as a case study. Journal of Health Psychology, 15(5):716-723. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105310368181

Rowe, J.W., & Kahn, R.L. (1987). Human aging: Usual and successful. Science, 237(4811):143-149. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.3299702

Rowe, J.W., & Kahn, R.L. (1998). Successful Aging. New York, USA: Pantheon Books.

Scarmeas, N., Zarahn, E., Anderson, K.E., Habeck, C.G., Hilton, J., Flynn, J., et al. (2003). Association of life activities with cerebral blood flow in Alzheimer disease: Implications for the cognitive reserve hypothesis. Archives of Neurology, 60(3):359-365. https://doi.org/10.1001/archneur.60.3.359

Schoenfeld, D.E., Malmrose, L.C., Blazer, D.G., Gold, D.T., & Seeman, T.E. (1994). Self-rated health and mortality in the high-functioning elderly--a closer look at healthy individuals: MacArthur field study of successful aging. The Journals of Gerontology, 49(3):M109-M115. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronj/49.3.m109

Sidorenko, A., & Zaidi, A. (2013). Active ageing in CIS countries: Semantics, challenges, and responses. Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research, 2013:261819. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/261819

Small, G.W., Moody, T.D., Siddarth, P., & Bookheimer, S.Y. (2009). Your brain on Google: Patterns of cerebral activation during internet searching. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 17(2):116-126. https://doi.org/10.1097/JGP.0b013e3181953a02

Stenner, P., McFarquhar, T., & Bowling, A. (2011). Older people and “active ageing”: Subjective aspects of ageing actively. Journal of Health Psychology, 16(3):467-477. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105310384298

Strawbridge, W.J., Wallhagen, M.I., & Cohen, R.D. (2002). Successful Aging and Well-Being: Self-Rated Compared With Rowe and Kahn. The Gerontologist, 42(6):727-733. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/42.6.727

Townsend, J., Godfrey, M., & Denby, T. (2006). Heroines, villains and victims: Older people’s perceptions of others. Aging and Society, 26(6):883-900. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X06005149

United Nations for Development. (2006). Informe Sobre Desarrollo Humano 2006. New York, USA: United Nations for Development. Available from: https://hdr.undp.org/ sites/default/files/hdr_2006_es_completo.pdf [Last accessed on 2023 Sep 19].

Van Dyk, S. (2014). The appraisal of difference: Critical gerontology and the active-ageing-paradigm. Journal of Aging Studies, 31:93-103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaging.2014.08.008

Van Malderen, L., Mets, T., De Vriendt, P., & Gorus, E. (2013). The active ageing-concept translated to the residential long-term care. Quality of Life Research, 22(5):929-937. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-012-0216-5

Venn, S., & Arber, S. (2011). Day-time sleep and active aging in later life. Aging and Society, 31(2):197-216. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X10000954

Verbrugge, L.M., Gruber-Baldini, A.L., & Fozard, J. L. (1996). Age differences and age changes in activities: Baltimore longitudinal study of aging. The Journals of Gerontology Series B, Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 51(1):S30-S41. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/51b.1.s30

Walker, A. (2002). A strategy for active ageing. International Social Security Review, 55(1):121-139. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-246X.00118

Walker, A., & Maltby, T. (2012). Active ageing: A strategic policy solution to demographic ageing in the European Union. International Journal of Social Welfare, 21(Suppl 1): 117-130. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2397.2012.00871.x

World Health Organization. (2002). Envejecimiento activo: Un marco político. [Active aging: A policy framework]. Revista Española de Geriatría y Gerontología, 37(S2):74-105.

Zaidi, A., Gasior, K., Hofmarcher, M.M., Lelkes, O., Marin, B., Rodrigues, R., et al. (2013). Active Ageing Index 2012. Concept, Methodology and Final Results. Vienna: Methodology Report Submitted to European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, and to Population Unit. Switzerland: UNECE.