Influence of active ageing and health literacy on quality of life among elderly persons in northeast Thailand

Objectives: Ageing populations are a global phenomenon resulting from increasing life expectancy and decreasing fertility rates. Thus, investigation into the factors affecting the quality of life (QOL) of the elderly has become important. This study aimed to assess the association between active ageing and health literacy, and QOL in a sample of elderly people in Northeast Thailand. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from 1,226 persons aged 60 years and above from Northeast Thailand. A general linear mixed model (GLMM) was used to determine the association between active ageing, health literacy and sociodemographic factors and the outcome variable, good QOL, as determined using the WHOQOL-BREF. Results: Overall, 42.09% of participants had a good QOL. After adjusting for the effects of the other covariates, a multivariable analysis indicated that a high level of active ageing (adj. odds ratio [OR] = 4.51; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.27-6.23), adequate health literacy (adj. OR = 2.53; 95% CI: 1.79-3.59), age < 70 years (adj. OR = 4.09; 95% CI: 3.03-5.50), having completed secondary school or higher education (adj. OR = 2.43; 95% CI: 1.57-3.76), and having a monthly household income > 15,000 baht (adj. OR = 3.01; 95% CI: 1.73-5.22) were significantly associated with good QOL in the sample. Conclusion: The QOL of the elderly must be prioritised. Active ageing and health literacy should be promoted as part of socioeconomic and health policies. Negative attitudes and 'ageism' towards the elderly should be reduced among populations of all ages. Health communication for members of a demographic with limited health literacy should be enhanced, and employment of the elderly encouraged.