Levels of active ageing and its influencing factors among older adults: a scoping review

BACKGROUND: The growing population of older adults in the 21st century has made ageing a global concern. Exploring the factors associated with active ageing is therefore of interest to further promote transitions to it among older adults. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted for this scoping review, and relevant articles were retrieved up to August 2024. The databases searched included PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Studies with quantitative, qualitative, or mixed designs were extracted. We included those that involved individuals aged 60 years or older and reported on the level and its influencing factors of active ageing. We used a health ecological model to analyse and synthesise factors influencing active ageing. In addition, all included studies were evaluated. RESULTS: Our search identified 23,469 studies, 65 of which were included in this review. The quality ratings were positive for 53 studies. Nineteen instruments were used to evaluate active ageing. The levels of active ageing varied widely across studies, owing to the diverse instruments used and population characteristics. Developed countries consistently reported higher levels of active ageing than developing ones. Five core themes influence active ageing: demographic profile, socioeconomic status and environment, health-related factors, psychological factors and mental health, and social connections. The demographic profile primarily encompassed intrapersonal and interpersonal factors, whereas the remaining themes reflected interactions across various levels of the health ecological model. CONCLUSION: High levels of active ageing were reported in several developed countries. Providing support to help older adults better engage in active ageing can be highly beneficial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This review was registered in the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Metaanalysis Protocol (INPLASY2023120083).