Challenges and Barriers for Healthy Aging Practices among the Elderly: A Qualitative Study in Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala
Meenakshi M. Nair, Rajasekharan K NayarAbstract
Background:
Demographic transition is one of the major global public health challenges, especially in Kerala, which has the highest share of elderly population among Indian states. The aging population in Kerala faces unique challenges due to the confluence of demographic and epidemiologic transitions. This concern makes the concept of healthy aging, as defined by the WHO, crucial for enhancing their overall well-being. This study aims to explore the current healthy aging practices with respect to physical activity, balanced diet patterns, active social engagements, and preventive health services among the elderly, specifically focusing on the challenges they face and the barriers that inhibit their ability to engage in such practices.
Methods:
The study was conducted using a qualitative design. Data were collected from the elderly aged 65 years and above in two wards of the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. Purposive sampling was used to select the wards, based on the geographical location, one from the central area and another from the peripheral area. A list of 20 elderly (65 years and above) from each ward was prepared based on the information collected from the Accredited Social Health Activists of the respective Primary Health Centres, and in-depth interviews were conducted.
Results:
All participants reported at least one chronic condition, most commonly diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and hyperlipidemia. While participants were generally aware of healthy aging practices, regular engagement in physical activity, adherence to balanced dietary patterns, active social participation, and utilization of preventive healthcare services were limited. Key barriers included financial constraints, lack of motivation, family responsibilities, safety concerns, social restrictions, and healthcare access issues, such as long waiting times and affordability of services. Gender differences were observed in dietary practices and social engagement.
Conclusions:
The study underscores the critical importance of integrating gerontological principles into public health practices to address the diverse and multifaceted challenges faced by the elderly. Along with solving the identified challenges and barriers, enhancing awareness of and enrolment in various existing schemes and policies is essential. In addition, educating the elderly about the relevance of healthy aging, thereby encouraging the adoption of healthy aging practices, is also needed.