Developing an Assessment Method of Active Aging: University of Jyvaskyla Active Aging Scale

If you don't test out as an active ager, what protocols does your doctor suggest to get you there?
http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0898264317750449

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Taina Rantanen, PhD, Erja Portegijs, PhD, Katja Kokko, PhD, ...

First Published January 1, 2018 Research Article

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Abstract

Objective: To develop an assessment method of active aging for research on older people.

Method: A multiphase process that included drafting by an expert panel, a pilot study for item analysis and scale validity, a feedback study with focus groups and questionnaire respondents, and a test–retest study. Altogether 235 people aged 60 to 94 years provided responses and/or feedback.

Results: We developed a 17-item University of Jyvaskyla Active Aging Scale with four aspects in each item (goals, ability, opportunity, and activity; range 0-272). The psychometric and item properties are good and the scale assesses a unidimensional latent construct of active aging.

Discussion: Our scale assesses older people’s striving for well-being through activities pertaining to their goals, abilities, and opportunities. The University of Jyvaskyla Active Aging Scale provides a quantifiable measure of active aging that may be used in postal questionnaires or interviews in research and practice.