Is Successful Aging Associated with Attitudes to Aging? A Cross-sectional Study Among Community Dwelling Older Adults Living in Kashan

Abstract

Background: As the population age structure undergoes significant changes, understanding the factors that contribute to successful aging becomes increasingly important. The attitude towards aging significantly influences health and well-being in older adults. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the association between attitudes towards aging and successful aging among older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years and older, registered at the comprehensive health care centers in Kashan city, Iran. Participants were selected using a multistage random sampling method from the integrated health system (SIB). Data collection involved administering a demographic information form, the successful aging instrument (SAI), and the Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire (AAQ). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, employing Spearman’s correlation coefficient and multiple logistic regression for statistical evaluation. A significance level of P < 0.05 was established for all tests. Results: A total of 300 older adults participated in the study, with a mean age of 69 ± 7.69 years. Twenty percent of participants were classified as experiencing successful aging. Male gender, younger age, higher education, better economic status, and all dimensions of attitudes towards aging were significantly associated with higher successful aging scores (P < 0.001). In the multivariate model, the dimensions of attitude towards aging remained significant: Psychosocial loss [odds ratio (OR) = 0.88, P = 0.002], spiritual-psychological growth (OR = 1.16, P = 0.008), and physical changes (OR = 1.19, P = 0.000). Conclusions: The findings of this study underscore the crucial role of attitudes in fostering successful aging. Given the multidimensional nature of successful aging and the foundational role of attitudes towards aging, interventions aimed at enhancing public perceptions of aging may be beneficial in promoting successful aging outcomes.