Healthy aging among community-dwelling older adults aged ≥60 years in China: results from a 2023 cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: With the global population aging, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of healthy aging and its associated factors in China.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Henan Province, China, in 2023. A multi-stage, stratified, probability-proportional-to-size (PPS) sampling method was employed to enroll 9,180 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥60 years. Healthy aging was defined as "no major chronic diseases," "no disability," "high cognitive function," "high physical function," and "active social engagement." The weighted prevalence of healthy aging was evaluated. Weighted Poisson regression models were used to estimate the prevalence ratios (PRs) for the association between sociodemographic/lifestyle factors and healthy aging.

RESULTS

The overall weighted prevalence of healthy aging was 6.1%. The weighted prevalence of no major chronic diseases, no disability, high cognitive function, high physical function, and active social engagement was 23.7, 82.2, 42.4, 39.0, and 71.8%, respectively. The PR of healthy aging was inversely associated with age (PR = 0.65 in those aged 70-79 years and PR = 0.30 in those aged ≥80 years). Older adults residing in urban areas had a higher PR of healthy aging than those in rural areas (PR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.30-1.59). Higher education, higher income, alcohol consumption, and physical activity were all positively associated with healthy aging (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of healthy aging among community-dwelling older adults in Henan Province was low. Fewer than half of the participants were free from major diseases or maintained high cognitive and physical function. Promoting healthy aging requires a multifaceted approach that integrates healthcare, economic, and educational initiatives. Particular attention should be given to female individuals, rural residents, individuals with lower education and income levels, and individuals who are divorced, widowed, cohabiting, or living alone.