Self-perception of aging and associated factors among older adults in Morocco

Self-perception of aging is considered one of the indicators of health and vulnerability. Understanding how older adults perceive their aging can be an effective way to develop strategies to prevent vulnerability and promote healthy aging.

The aim of this study was to investigate the self-perception of aging and its associated factors in a group of older adults in Morocco to contribute to healthy aging.

This was a cross-sectional study conducted between June 2022 and July 2023 among 496 people aged 60 years and over who visited health centers in the province of Essaouira. A positive or negative self-perception of aging was established using the Attitudes Toward Own Aging subscale, which includes five items from the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale. Sociodemographic characteristics and data related to lifestyle and health status were collected through interviews, by consulting health records, and were supplemented with anthropometric measurements. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the potential factors influencing self-perception of aging.

A negative self-perception of aging was identified in 21.4% of participants. Multivariate analysis revealed that being unmarried (OR 2.027; 95%CI 1.261-3.259), having depressive symptoms (OR 1.729; 95%CI 1.082-2.765), and being dependent (OR 1.926; 95%CI 1.134-3.272) were the main factors statistically associated with a negative self-perception of aging.

A strategy to prevent loneliness and social isolation, as well as screening programs for depression and dependency in older adults, could contribute to successful and healthy aging.