Personal and General Views on Aging, Non-Communicable Diseases, and Their Interaction as Cross-Sectional Correlates of Vigorous Physical Activity in UK Individuals Aged 50+ – Pension Policy International

Report on Perceptions of Aging and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

A study conducted by Mezza et al. establishes a significant correlation between an individual’s perception of aging and their level of physical activity. This report analyzes these findings through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the critical role of positive aging perceptions in advancing global health and equality targets.

Key Research Findings

• Positive attitudes towards the aging process are linked to increased engagement in vigorous physical activity.
• This association is particularly strong among individuals with one or more non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
• Negative views on aging may constitute a significant barrier to achieving an active lifestyle, thereby impacting long-term health outcomes.

Alignment with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The research directly supports the objectives of SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

• Target 3.4: By promoting physical activity, fostering positive views on aging serves as a preventative strategy to reduce premature mortality from NCDs. This is especially relevant for the cohort identified in the study who are already living with such conditions.
• Active Aging: The findings provide a clear pathway for fostering active aging, a cornerstone of lifelong health and well-being. Encouraging positive mindsets contributes directly to the goal of ensuring older populations remain healthy and active participants in society.

Implications for SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The study’s focus on individuals with NCDs connects its conclusions to SDG 10, which seeks to reduce inequality within and among countries.

1. Health Disparities: Individuals with chronic health conditions often face greater barriers to physical activity. Negative societal or personal views on aging can exacerbate these health inequalities.
2. Inclusive Health Promotion: By addressing psychological barriers such as negative stereotypes, public health initiatives can become more inclusive. Promoting positive views on aging ensures that health interventions are more effective for vulnerable populations, thereby reducing the health gap.

Conclusion and Recommendations

While the study does not infer causality, its conclusions suggest that promoting positive perceptions of aging is a strategic intervention for public health. To align with the SDGs, policy recommendations include:

• Developing public health campaigns that challenge ageism and highlight the benefits of an active later life.
• Integrating psychological support into chronic disease management programs to address and reframe negative views on aging.
• Fostering community environments that support active aging for all, particularly for those with existing health conditions.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article directly addresses SDG 3, which aims to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.” The core discussion revolves around promoting “vigorous physical activity” and “active aging,” which are fundamental components of a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, it specifically highlights the importance of these factors for individuals with “non-communicable diseases,” a key area of concern for global health and SDG 3.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

1. Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

   This target is clearly identifiable. The article’s focus on the benefits of physical activity for those with “one or more non-communicable diseases” directly relates to the prevention and management aspect of this target. The suggestion that “promoting positive views on aging and decreasing negative views on aging” can foster physical activity also connects to the goal of promoting “mental health and well-being,” as positive self-perception is a component of mental wellness.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

Target 3.4

While the article does not mention official SDG indicators, it implies several metrics that can be used to measure progress toward the identified target:

• Level of physical activity engagement: The article explicitly states that positive views on aging “may prompt vigorous physical activity engagement.” Therefore, measuring the rates and intensity of physical activity among the aging population, particularly those with NCDs, serves as a direct indicator of progress in promoting healthy behaviors.
• Prevalence of positive views on aging: The article’s central argument is that “positive general views of aging may be particularly important for physical activity.” This suggests that tracking societal and individual perceptions of aging through surveys and assessments can be an indicator of the success of programs aimed at fostering “active aging” and well-being.
• Management and prevention rates of non-communicable diseases: The article’s context is the well-being of individuals with “physical health conditions” and NCDs. An increase in physical activity, as promoted in the article, would be expected to contribute to better management of these diseases. Therefore, tracking health outcomes and prevalence rates of NCDs in the target population is an implied indicator.

Summary Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: pensionpolicyinternational.com