Page 61 - 5th APA Conference Program Book Final

Categories

8. Population Dynamics, Demographic Transition and Population Ageing

Abstract

The unprecedented growth of the elderly population is one of the salient demographic issues in Sri Lanka. The
existing literature on ageing across various disciplines emphasizes a positive view of ageing discourses such as
successful ageing, healthy ageing and active ageing. The objective of this paper was to examine the nature of active
ageing among community-dwelling elders in Sri Lanka. The results were based on a study conducted with a sample
of 350 community-dwelling elderly men and women. The study was guided by the pragmatic paradigm and used
mixed methods design with a deductive theoretical drive. Findings were derived from both quantitative and
qualitative analysis using bivariate and thematic analytical methods. The study found a higher incidence of income
insecurity, particularly among elderly women. The nature of activity participation revealed that elderly women
compared to men tended to restrict their participation mainly to the private domain of the home. Participation in
societal activities enabled elders to socialize, contribute to their communities and share their knowledge and skills.
The majority of elders were living with one of their immediate family members. The nature of health gathered
through the perceived self-rated health revealed that majority of elders was not in good health.

469 Financial Adequacy and Active/ healthy Ageing in Iran

1
2,3
Nasibeh ZANJARI , Rasoul Sadeghi
2
1 University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences (USWR), Tehran, Iran, Islamic Republic of. University of
3
Tehran, Tehran, Iran, Islamic Republic of. National Institute of Population Research (NIPR), Tehran, Iran, Islamic
Republic of
Categories

8. Population Dynamics, Demographic Transition and Population Ageing

Abstract

This paper examines how active/ healthy ageing contribute to financial adequacy, whether objectively or
subjectively, in Iran. The data come from a cross-sectional survey, carried out among 600 randomly selected older
adults aged 60 years and older in Tehran in 2015. Financial adequacy was assessed using seven items: household
financial adequacy index (household income vs. expenses), self-rated current economic situation, perceived
change in financial situation over the past five-years, financial saving for later life, perceived financial sufficiency
for living expenses and current needs, worrying regarding medical costs in the case of serious illness,
and providing financial support for children. The results indicate that financial adequacy is significantly associated
with active/ healthy ageing and its dimensions, even after controlling for demographic variables. Thus, financial
adequacy in old age is an important factor in the attainment of active/healthy ageing. There is a need for social and
welfare policies to take into account active/healthy ageing and financial adequacy for older adults especially those
who are most vulnerable.

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