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Perspectives on healthy aging among T hai elderly: A qualitative study
Author(s) -
Thanakwang Kattika,
Soonthorndhada Kusol,
Mongkolprasoet Jiraporn
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
nursing and health sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.563
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1442-2018
pISSN - 1441-0745
DOI - 10.1111/j.1442-2018.2012.00718.x
Subject(s) - healthy aging , successful aging , gerontology , qualitative research , psychological intervention , mental health , psychology , independence (probability theory) , qualitative analysis , focus group , medicine , psychiatry , sociology , social science , statistics , mathematics , anthropology
In this qualitative study, we provide an in‐depth understanding of the views of healthy aging among Thai elderly and explore the ways that contribute to healthy aging. Data were collected using focus groups and in‐depth interviews in four selected provinces of Thailand, and were analyzed using content analysis. The results revealed that Thai elderly described being healthy as the result of multiple components involving physical, mental, and social well‐being. Healthy aging was viewed as an absence of serious diseases, having functional independence, a positive psycho‐emotional outlook, and making a social contribution. The factors considered to contribute to healthy aging included activities promoting physical and psychological health, as well as active engagement in social activities. Understanding how the elderly define healthy aging and identifying the most important components and factors that contribute to being healthy provides insight into possible policy implications and interventions to promote health and well‐being among T hai elderly.