Assessment of the Determinants of Active Aging Situation in Bangladesh
Background: The older population is growing first in Bangladesh; however, the determinants of Active Aging (AA) are poorly known. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the determinants influencing AA in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 518 older adults aged 60 and over. Following the WHO AAI model, socio-demographic, personal, behavioral, and physical environment, and health and social services characteristics of the respondents, have been collected using a semi-structured questionnaire to know the significant determinants of AA in Bangladesh. In addition, 11 KIIs were conducted among experts and policymakers to learn more about the AAI situation. Both bivariate and multivariate levels of analysis were performed to analyze the quantitative data, and thematic analysis was done for qualitative data. Results: The AAI for males was higher (0.64) than for females (0.53). Among the 22 determinants, age, place of residence, religion, income, decision-making capacity, adequate sleep, avoidance of smokeless tobacco intake, television watching as a leisure activity, and use of medicine (10 determinants) significantly influenced AAI. However, the active participation of the respondents in each of the determinants could have been higher. The AAI was 10-15 % higher among the respondents who actively complied with the above determinants daily. The qualitative data shows that the determinants of AAI were deeply rooted in the country's socio-cultural, economic, and spatial conditions. More policy documents need to be made regarding the importance of the determinants of AA to improve overall AAI. Conclusion: Effective initiatives are required to enhance AAI's socio-cultural, economic, and health system-related determinants to improve moderate to high AAI. Relevant ministries and departments should take measures to increase awareness and participation of people in the lifestyle-related determinants of AAI. This result will help policymakers from concerned ministries, departments, and development partners take determinant-specific initiatives to improve the country's AAI situation.