Active ageing profiles among older adults in Spain: A Multivariate analysis based on SHARE study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• The active ageing model emphasizes Health, Lifelong Learning, Participation, and Security.
• Understanding diverse active ageing profiles is crucial for targeted interventions.
• Existing research often overlooks the multidimensional nature of active ageing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To classify older adults into distinct active ageing profiles based on four key pillars.
• To examine the relationship between these profiles and personal/contextual factors.
• To assess the association between active ageing profiles and well-being/quality of life in older adults.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 5,566 Spanish older adults from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) wave 6.
• Employed a range of statistical analyses including Principal Component, Cluster, Discriminant, and Multiple Correspondence analyses.
• Bivariate analyses (Pearson chi-square, ANOVA) were used to explore relationships between variables.

Main Results:

• Identified five distinct active ageing profiles: moderate activity, quasi-dependents, ageing-limiting conditions, diverse/balanced activity, and excellent active ageing.
• Profiles I-III were associated with older age, lower education, retirement/housewife status, and moderate well-being indicators.
• Profiles IV-V demonstrated better personal and contextual conditions, alongside higher well-being and quality of life.

Conclusions:

• Active ageing is not uniform; distinct profiles exist with varying levels of well-being and quality of life.
• Intervention strategies should consider life-course trajectories to promote better ageing conditions.
• A multidimensional approach is essential for understanding and supporting active ageing.