Successful aging and its associated factors among older adults in Nepal: a cross-sectional study

Successful aging is one model of positive aging promoted among the older population, and represents an ideal aging scenario. It is important to understand what proportion of older adults are aging successfully and what factors influence it, to better support positive aging in the older population. Although aging is a global phenomenon, the Global South's contribution to successful aging literature is very scant. Hence, this study was conducted in Nepal with the objective of finding the overall situation of successful aging and its predictors among older adults.

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Kathmandu, Nepal. A total of 346 older adults aged 60 years and above were interviewed. Data related to successful aging, socio-demographic, and health-related characteristics were collected. Older adults with no major disease, no disability, no cognitive impairment, no physical problems, active social engagement, and spiritual well-being were considered successfully aging. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to test the association of socio-demographic characteristics with successful aging.

The prevalence of successful aging was found to be 29%. Age [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.90-0.99], living with a partner [(AOR = 3.09, CI = 1.17-8.17)], currently employed [AOR = 2.03, CI = 1.12-3.68] and performing daily physical activity [AOR = 3.01, CI = 1.08 - 8.33] were found to be associated with successful aging.

As increasing age was associated with lower odds of successful aging, older adults could be encouraged to maintain partnerships, engage in some form of employment or volunteer activities, and participate in physical activity to promote successful aging.