How to Undertake Aging in a Healthy Way: Changes and Opportunities

Abstract

Objective: To know the socio-demographic characteristics of the elderly adults (60-70 years), of the population of Mataró (Barcelona), and their relationship with the knowledge degree and training needs perceived to face a healthy aging. Materials and methods: Descriptive observational cross-sectional study in which a sample of 306 people was analysed. Socio-demographic data and variables related to leisure activities, health status, training, formative needs and predisposition to take a course on aging were evaluated. Results: About a 60 % of the respondents showed interest in receiving training about; healthy habits (59,1 %), proper diet (62,0 %), work out (59,6 %), future limitations (62,6 %), why we grow old (61,0 %), frequent illnesses in the elderly (62,5 %), use of medication (66,1 %), use of the health system (61,9 %), social resources (70,0 %), new technologies (64,0 %), care of sick people (60,5 %), and security aspects (61,6 %). Conclusions: There is a need to receive training among the elderly adult population in order to cope with aging in a healthier way. The main needs perceived by the elderly are: Healthy habits, possible future limitations due to the aging process, use of medication, functioning of the health system and access to social resources, new technologies and, finally, caring for sick relatives.