Working status and distance to health facilities were significant determinants of successful aging among community-dwelling older adults in rural Indonesia, with older adults who were still working and those living 1-5 km from health facilities demonstrating higher successful aging scores.
Approximately half of the respondents demonstrated moderate levels of successful aging.
Working status was a significant positive determinant of successful aging among rural older adults.
Distance to health facilities was a significant positive determinant of successful aging among rural older adults.
Promoting productive activity and maintaining accessible health services were identified as essential strategies for successful aging in rural communities.
This research examined what factors are associated with aging successfully among older adults (age 60 and above) living in rural Indonesia. The researchers interviewed 104 people in Lamongan Regency, assessing their physical function, mental sharpness, emotional well-being, social connections, and overall engagement with life. About half of the participants showed moderate levels of successful aging. After analyzing the data, two factors stood out as significantly linked to better successful aging scores: whether the person was still working, and how far they lived from health facilities. Interestingly, older adults who lived between 1 and 5 kilometers from health facilities scored higher on successful aging than those who lived closer or farther away, suggesting that some proximity to healthcare — but not necessarily being immediately adjacent — may support better outcomes. Those who were still employed or engaged in productive work also fared better. Distance to health facilities appeared to be a slightly stronger predictor than working status based on the size of the statistical estimates. This research suggests that keeping older adults engaged in productive activities and ensuring they have reasonably accessible healthcare services may be important for supporting healthy aging in rural communities. Policymakers and health planners working in rural settings may want to consider both employment or volunteer opportunities for older adults and the strategic placement and outreach of health services when designing programs aimed at improving quality of life for aging populations.
Indarwati R, Haryanto J, Ulfiana E, Amelia V, Astuti T, Thomas D. (2026). Associated factors of successful aging among community-dwelling older adults in a rural area of Indonesia: a cross-sectional study.. Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da U S P. https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-220X-REEUSP-2025-0577en