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Conceptualisation and measurement of healthy ageing: Insights from a systematic literature review

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  • Piriu, Andreea Alexandra
  • Bufali, Maria Vittoria
  • Cappellaro, Giulia
  • Compagni, Amelia
  • Torbica, Aleksandra

Abstract

This paper enhances the understanding and measurement of Healthy Ageing (HA) through a systematic review of its multidimensional operationalisation. Despite progress in HA research, no consensus exists on its constitutive elements, and current frameworks often do not capture its full complexity. Building on the World Health Organization (WHO) HA definition, we organise empirical evidence under three dimensions: intrinsic capacity (IC), functional ability (FA) and the environment (ENV). To identify conceptual, empirical and methodological gaps, we provide a structured synthesis of concepts, measures and instruments used in HA research, evaluating methodological advancement and standardisation in HA measurement.

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  • Piriu, Andreea Alexandra & Bufali, Maria Vittoria & Cappellaro, Giulia & Compagni, Amelia & Torbica, Aleksandra, 2025. "Conceptualisation and measurement of healthy ageing: Insights from a systematic literature review," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 374(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:374:y:2025:i:c:s027795362500262x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.117933
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    References listed on IDEAS

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