RESUMEN
Older adults are at greater risk of mental health issues. This study examined the factors influencing mental well-being among 2230 Malaysian older adults, using data from the 2018 to 2019 Malaysia Ageing and Retirement Survey. The World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5) was used to assess mental well-being, and linear regression analysis identified the significant factors. Women had lower mental well-being scores than men (P = .012, ß = -0.016). Chinese (P = .024, ß = -0.020), Indian (P < .001, ß = -0.043), and other ethnicities (P < .001, ß = -0.031) reported lower scores than Malays. The factors associated with better well-being were secondary (P = .001, ß = 0.032) and tertiary education (P < .001, ß = 0.063), and good (P < .001, ß = 0.081) and moderate (P < .001, ß = 0.038) health status. Diseases-limiting activities were associated with poor well-being (P < .001, ß = -0.030). Support from family (P < .001, ß = 0.062) and friends (P < .001, ß = 0.032), social activity participation (P < .001, ß = 0.026), and functional ability (P < .001, ß = 0.043) were significant positive factors. There is a need for targeted interventions to enhance mental health among Malaysian older adults.
RESUMEN
Active aging is important for promoting the health, wellbeing, and participation of older adults. This study investigated the association between active aging and mortality risk among 2 230 respondents aged 60 and older. Principal component analysis extracted a five-factor structure from 15 indicators of active aging. The mean active aging score was 55.57 and the median was 53.33. The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that individuals with active aging scores of 53.33 and above had significantly longer survival than those below the median. Cox regression analysis indicated the significance of active aging in reducing mortality risk by 2.5% after adjusting for sex, marital status, age, ethnicity, chronic diseases, and risk factors. The active aging approach comprising health, economic, and social factors is crucial in improving survival among older adults. Hence, policies and programs that promote active aging should be encouraged to enhance the health and wellbeing of older adults and their engagement in society.
