Ageing Well: Studies of its Global and Multidomain and Construct Among Multi-ethnic Singaporean Seniors

Abstract

Background: There is lack of research examining the construct and measurement of successful ageing among Singaporean older adults. Objectives: To explore multidimensional and global constructs of successful ageing among Singaporean Chinese, Malay and Indian older adults aged 65 and above. The validity of a broad multidimensional model of successful ageing and a self-rated single-item scale of global successful ageing were evaluated. Gender and ethnic-based perceptions of successful ageing were also explored. Methods: Four studies were reported in this thesis. Both quantitative and qualitative designs were used. Results: Both multidimensional and global models of successful were validated. Gender and ethnic differences on self-rated successful ageing were found. Conclusion: This thesis supports the use of a self-rated single-item scale of global successful ageing that may be used as a universally acceptable standard measurement for use in population monitoring and comparative analyses. Criterion-based multidimensional measures of successful ageing, given some practical limitations, remain potentially useful in programme intervention and evaluation for relevant outcomes.