Developing an Assessment Method of Active Aging: University of Jyvaskyla Active Aging Scale. (July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rantanen, Taina; Portegijs, Erja; Kokko, Katja; Rantakokko, Merja; Törmäkangas, Timo; Saajanaho, Milla
• Is Part Of: Journal of aging and health. Volume 31:Number 6(2019)
• Page Start: 1002
• Page End: 1024
• Publication Date: 2019-07
• Subjects: aging -- well-being -- activity -- participation -- psychometric properties; Older people -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1177/0898264317750449
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0898-2643

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.