Investigating the Status of Active Aging and Its Relationship With Self-Care in Covid-19 Among Older Adults Publisher



Z Hatami ZAHRA ; H Barekati HASSAN ; L Sahebi LEYLA ; N Sarkhani NAEIMEH ; N Nikpeyma NASRIN
Source: Ageing International Published:2025

Abstract

Prevention and control of COVID-19 in older adults has been one of the most important recent health challenges. Active aging and self-care behaviors, can play a significant role in preventing disease in older adults. This study aimed to determine the status of active aging and its relationship with self-care in COVID-19 among older adults. This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in 2020 in Sari, Iran. 264 older adults were selected from among 20 comprehensive health centers by stratified random sampling. A socio-demographic questionnaire, the Self-Care in COVID-19 (SCOVID) Scale, and the Active Aging Measurement Instrument (AAMI) were used to collect the data. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests (Spearman correlation coefficient, multiple regression) by SPSS software version 25. P-values ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. The mean age of participants was (68.7±6.98) years, and most were male (53.4%). The median (interquartile range) of the active aging score and the median (interquartile range) of the self-care score in COVID-19 in older adults were (26) 115 and (15) 74, respectively. Based on Spearman's correlation test and multiple regression, there was a direct and significant relationship between self-care in COVID-19 and active aging (r = 0.537, P < 0.001). The results of this study showed that in order to promote self-care behaviors in older adults in epidemics or health crises, aging researchers and health policymakers can design interventions or educational programs based on active aging, emphasizing the dimensions of health, participation, security, and learning in older adults. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.